I am a doula in training over here on the other side of the pond, but one of my best friends is over there (in the Loughborough area, if it matters) and she is pregnant with her first child. I am trying to help her educate herself on childbirth in general, and unnecessary interventions and such, but I am not familiar with what things are routine over there.
She is planning on birthing in either a birth center or hospital over there, with the midwives that come with those places. She is in the process of hiring a doula, so that's good as well. Her goal would be to have the most natural and intervention-free birth as is possible, but would also like options if the pain becomes unbearable. She does not want to be induced, or augmented unless it becomes medically necessary (for REAL necessary, not "medically" necessary because a medical professional says she should).
What's standard over there? What's normal? When do they start talking induction? Do they push medicinal pain relief more than it looks like they do from their websites/information pamphlets? Do they do episiotomies? Artificial rupture of membranes? Do they use cervical ripeners? What kind of monitoring is normal?
Really, any information you have would be helpful in helping her navigate the system over there. Tell me anything you think she should know.
Thanks ladies!
She is planning on birthing in either a birth center or hospital over there, with the midwives that come with those places. She is in the process of hiring a doula, so that's good as well. Her goal would be to have the most natural and intervention-free birth as is possible, but would also like options if the pain becomes unbearable. She does not want to be induced, or augmented unless it becomes medically necessary (for REAL necessary, not "medically" necessary because a medical professional says she should).
What's standard over there? What's normal? When do they start talking induction? Do they push medicinal pain relief more than it looks like they do from their websites/information pamphlets? Do they do episiotomies? Artificial rupture of membranes? Do they use cervical ripeners? What kind of monitoring is normal?
Really, any information you have would be helpful in helping her navigate the system over there. Tell me anything you think she should know.
Thanks ladies!
