Questions & Answers

Well Ashley you can hand your baby over and let them do whatever they want but it doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy and I think it's ok to feel that way. I don't consider labor to be a big medical emergency yet my OB and a neo-natal nurse are telling me they prefer to do it their way which means frequently inducing and a high c-section rate. That makes me uncomfortable, hence the reason I asked about it. Good for you for not having any ill feelings about being treated like your having heart surgery. I just want to deliver a baby and hold it. I'm aware if something goes wrong my birth plan will go out the window-I was told they laugh at people for just having one, period. Trust me, I asked for clarification.

make the best decision for you and your baby!!! Don't let anyone bully you into doing something do not want. Do not let any narrow minded people crush your desires for an amazing birthing experience. How many times do you actually get to experience such an incredible and beautiful part of life?? Maybe just a few times. Do whatever you have to do to make this the most amazing experience of your life. Good luck!!!!!

I am most certain that they DO NOT laugh at women that have a birth plan and expect to follow it!!!!! My ob was the one who suggested me make one! This is not 30 years ago when women had virtually no say in their care. How are they suppose to know what your ideal experience wants are, if you do not tell them. You are allowed to deny ANY medical procedure. You do not have to give consent to anything you are not comfortable with. Hospitals are trying to get back to a mother based labor versus a doctor based labor.
I am completely aware of the fact that things happen unexpectedly but that is not always the case. Many women have textbook labors and really need zero interventions. Pregnancy and labor is not a medical emergency, in most cases. Labor is a very natural part of life. Women have been giving birth since the beginning of time. I do not think in any way is it dramatic to have certain expectations of your delivery. Talk to your ob and

Kelliers, I am pretty sure they laugh at those who have a birth plan and demand and expect it to be followed no matter what. When having a plan you need to realize that things can go wrong and last minute decisions must be made. You have to be flexible during that time and most don't want to give in.

I must be crazy though as I find your anxiety a little over the top and dramatic.

Thanks ladies :). I don't think a birthing center is covered under my insurance, unfortunately, but I can call to clarify. I'd much rather just see a midwife. We are going to do a hospital tour soon so we have ample time to change our minds-I figure the way they respond when I tell them what I'd like will be a good indicator of how flexible they will be. As for switching OBs...it's crossed my mind but it's such a pain to move and there aren't as many in my area that come recommended as I figure there would be for living in a huge city. There is a birthing center I really liked that's right next to a good hospital but my husband really wants to be at the hospital in case something goes wrong. I'm not sure I'll be able to convince him otherwise.

Oh, and giving the hep b vaccine at birth isn't standard practice anymore. I'm pretty sure my second baby didn't get any vaccines until his 4 week checkup. Just the standard heel stick at birth to check vitamin K levels and blood sugar, both important. It also tests for several genetic diseases all at once that if not caught early, can cause serious problems later. Pretty convenient, really, that they can tell so much by inflicting only a few seconds of pain. I know it sucks that they have to do anything unpleasant to the baby right away, but if done properly, it really only takes a few minutes and they shouldn't have to take him/her out of the room to do it either.

I had both my babies in the hospital and neither of them were ever taken out of the room after birth. They both got all the necessary medical care and baths right there in the room in my sight. My husband actually video taped it all for me because I was getting stitched up at the time. I was in the room, but not able to quite see everything from where I was laying. Different hospitals have different policies, which is why its a good idea to do the tour before you are there in labor. Ask questions! Take notes and don't be afraid to make your wishes known. If your Dr or midwife doesn't seem interested in how you feel about these into at lea explain why the might be necessary, I would say its time to find other Dr. I am a medical assistant myself and I know that sometimes just explaining why something is needed to a patient instead of just saying "well thats the way we do it" goes a long way towards making you comfortable! So make them explain things to you. Its your right to kn

@ Kelliers that sounds terrible that they were not interested in your desires. My ob and hospital seemed very enthusiastic about expectations and requests. I am sorry that is not the case for you. If I were you, I would just lay down the law with my ob. Tell her how your experience is going to happen not the other way around. If she is still not interested in accommodating your request, then I would look at other options that are available to you. Good luck with everything!!!!

They don't have to take your baby- I had both of mine in a hospital and the only time either were out of my sight is when they went for a bath, which was ok with me. Both were put on my chest right after delivery and I held them before weighing etc, they were weighed right there in the room. They were with me the whole rest of the time and slept in the room with me etc. They didnt get any shots or anything- you can request whatever you want to. The baby nurse came to my room to check on the baby a few times but they never took her. I've heard horror stories but I had a good experience both times. Good luck to you

This is exactly why I am using a birthing center instead of a hospital, with a midwife. They don't take the baby for one minute and I can go home as soon we want to. The baby just needs to see a pediatrician within 3 days of birth. The only ones present in the birthing room are my family and my midwife. Its a personal, natural experience all moms should have the right to choose. Before I decided on the birth center and the natural water birth, I spoke with the hospital and they said they have their protocol and due to insurance regulations they must do what they must do. Birth plans go out the window the moment they put the IV in your arm. They will induce you when they want and you will have the baby on their time. I recommend you watching Business of Being Born. My first baby, they took her right after she was born and didnt bring her back for 12 hours and gave her formula even though I was a strictly breastfeeding because they didnt have time to bring her back! Never again!