As I continue my informal yet focused studies on pregnancy and birth, I am always learning something new.
I was talking with a first-time mom of a 1-year-old; he was born via c-section.
After hearing her story, I wondered "what would a midwife do?" and I couldn't guess.
So perhaps I can learn of some perspectives by posting the story here...but I apologize, because I don't know all the details nor do I feel like I could re-ask this mom about the details--mostly, I am just interested in other evaluations of this type of scenario, for my own education and enlightenment. So if I'm saying something that is probably wrong, go ahead and point that out, too!
The Scenario:
Mom is nearing due date, and does not feel any fetal movement. She gets worried, and goes in to the clinic because of it. The RN says, "oh your amniotic fluid is low, better call your dh and have him bring your bags, you're not going anywhere."
The OB learns of this, and is irritated at the RN. A biophysical is done, and it is determined that there is enough fluid, but they can't hear find the heartbeat. (This is the detail that confuses me, but that's what the mom said happened.)
The mom goes home for 4 more days, not feeling any movement, and not having the reassurance that the RN/OB/staff found a heartbeat (and they used ultrasound to determine that there was enough amniotic fluid; again, forgive the blurry details.) On the fourth day the mom goes in...
...I think for a prenatal, and it is discovered that she was 'leaking fluid'. Her labor is induced.
She labors with a malfunctioning epidural and a Pit drip overnight, and the staff is worried about an infection.
In the morning (like, 8 am) it is determined that the Pit induction is not taking, the cervix is swollen and has not dilated at all and there is an infection. A c-section is performed while this poor mama vomits profusely, because her re-placed epidural has been dosed too high.
Also, in the morning, the RN stepped in a puddle of epidural drugs next to her bed--because all night the epidural had not been going into the mother, but the catheter had seperated at a point in the line and was spilling onto the floor. All night the staff had been dismissive of this laboring mama's agony with the pitocin.
What would a midwife do if there was no fetal movement? no reported fetal movement in 4 days? no heartbeat? leaking fluid? etc.
Thank you very much for listening....
