Do blindly trust doctors?

[sparks19]

I can't say I ever had one nurse or Doctor try to push drugs on me when I was having hannah...other than the pitocin that basically saved Hannahs life but I did not fight that one bit so it still wasn't pushed on me.

I know we all have our ideals... but when a baby is born healthy and into a happy family... what is there to be disappointed about? that's not to say you shouldn't make it clear what you want and don't want but to be disappointed after the fact. I don't know. I guess I just don't really udnerstand because my labor and delivery and my stay afterwards was nothing short of stellar IMO.

 

[zoe08]

Tessa, I truly hope you get the birth you wish for, but the most important thing is that you and your baby are both healthy. And as long as that happens, you should not be disappointed.

I hate reading the "natural birth" boards just because the women who are so big on it, try to make it out like women who use drugs or have c-sections don't have a good birth experience, or are not being "empowered" by their birthing experience, or like the doctors made them do it when it wasn't necessary. And I know that so many women who are soooo adamant about having a completely natural birth only set them selves up for disappointment. You don't HAVE to be disappointed even if it doesn't go exactly how you wanted. I darn sure didn't WANT a c-section. But I wanted a healthy baby more than anything, and I got my healthy baby because of my c-section, and I am not disappointed in the least. My healthy baby boy makes up for it.

 

[nancy2394]

Tessa, I truly hope you get the birth you wish for, but the most important thing is that you and your baby are both healthy. And as long as that happens, you should not be disappointed.

I hate reading the "natural birth" boards just because the women who are so big on it, try to make it out like women who use drugs or have c-sections don't have a good birth experience, or are not being "empowered" by their birthing experience, or like the doctors made them do it when it wasn't necessary. And I know that so many women who are soooo adamant about having a completely natural birth only set them selves up for disappointment. You don't HAVE to be disappointed even if it doesn't go exactly how you wanted. I darn sure didn't WANT a c-section. But I wanted a healthy baby more than anything, and I got my healthy baby because of my c-section, and I am not disappointed in the least. My healthy baby boy makes up for it.

I find that when someone is so determined to have the birth EXACTLY like they have planned, things never seem to work out that way. Child birth is so unpredictable when you really think about it. I can't even begin to tell you how many times we've had to change the plans because the baby wasn't tolerating the birth or mom was having issues.

I think it's great to have a plan in mind, but to also be flexible with your plan should issues arise that were not anticipated. I agree..... in the end, if mom and baby are healthy.. that's all that matters. It doesn't really matter how it happened along the way.

We just had a baby deliver the other day that mom didn't want the baby to come to the nursery at all for any reason. She wanted to soley breastfeed. No bottles, no pacifiers. Well, her plan flew out the window when the baby was all jittery and the blood sugar was 24. That baby ended up being admitted to the nicu with blood sugar instabilities. Mom was very disappointed that things didn't work out as she had planned. She had a very difficult time accepting that she was not going to get to breastfeed anytime soon.

 

[Pam111]

Tessa, I truly hope you get the birth you wish for, but the most important thing is that you and your baby are both healthy. And as long as that happens, you should not be disappointed.

I hate reading the "natural birth" boards just because the women who are so big on it, try to make it out like women who use drugs or have c-sections don't have a good birth experience, or are not being "empowered" by their birthing experience, or like the doctors made them do it when it wasn't necessary. And I know that so many women who are soooo adamant about having a completely natural birth only set them selves up for disappointment. You don't HAVE to be disappointed even if it doesn't go exactly how you wanted. I darn sure didn't WANT a c-section. But I wanted a healthy baby more than anything, and I got my healthy baby because of my c-section, and I am not disappointed in the least. My healthy baby boy makes up for it.

yeah, people made comments to me for choosing a c-section instead of a breech birth. sorry, but i felt the c-section was definitely the safest. it turned out so well, too. i'm glad i did that

 

[tessa_s212]

It is not that I'm completely inflexible, just that I will be dissapointed if things are forced upon me when they are unnecessary. If certain procedures become necessary because my baby is in danger, that is life, and I will be happy to have a healthy baby no matter if I end up being induced or having a c-section. That isn't something that can't be helped, and I'm obviously already doing as much as I possibly can to avoid bad things from happening. (More interventions = more likely possibility of c-section or further complications) I do not and would not sit around and berate any mother on her decision regarding what she wants during the birth of her child, however, *I* personally believe natural birth is best and that is what I'm choosing for me and my baby. What others choose is fine, I just would like that same respect to choose what is right for me and my baby without being called unreasonable or unrealistic. I've never said birth is predictable, and I've said several times that I'm aware things may not go the way I planned, - my problem is not with any complications that may arise even after I've done all I could to prevent them, but simply wanting the birth to go the way I wish so long as both me and baby are healthy, and not wanting certain things pushed on me as "routine" that would heighten the possibility of complications. Nothing wrong with that, I'd imagine.

 

[nancy2394]

It is not that I'm completely inflexible, just that I will be dissapointed if things are forced upon me when they are unnecessary. If certain procedures become necessary because my baby is in danger, that is life, and I will be happy to have a healthy baby no matter if I end up being induced or having a c-section. That isn't something that can't be helped, and I'm obviously already doing as much as I possibly can to avoid bad things from happening. (More interventions = more likely possibility of c-section or further complications) I do not and would not sit around and berate any mother on her decision regarding what she wants during the birth of her child, however, *I* personally believe natural birth is best and that is what I'm choosing for me and my baby. What others choose is fine, I just would like that same respect to choose what is right for me and my baby without being called unreasonable or unrealistic. I've never said birth is predictable, and I've said several times that I'm aware things may not go the way I planned, - my problem is not with any complications that may arise even after I've done all I could to prevent them, but simply wanting the birth to go the way I wish so long as both me and baby are healthy, and not wanting certain things pushed on me as "routine" that would heighten the possibility of complications. Nothing wrong with that, I'd imagine.

Oh, tessa.. I hope you don't think my comment was directed at you. I was just talking in general.

 

[tessa_s212]

I did feel as though many of the "unreasonable", "unrealistic", and other less than constructive comments were aimed directly at me.. however, no hard feelings. I'm fully aware that my choice are less than popular and uncommon. I mean, what NUT would opt to be in tremendous pain rather than having a simple epidural? Lol. And I can certainly understand how this thread puts you in a bit of a tight corner, with my negative attitude towards doctors and L&D nurses in general. By no means is that ever meant to be directed at you either. It is just that along with how many times I've heard the same story repeated over and over about nurses and doctors pushing things on people, I've seen it happening with two of my own friends even and know that it is a reality. Mostly, I'm trying to do what is best for my baby. I'll put it the way my mom put it (lol, who'd think I'd ever quite my mom with having some sort of wisdom! Lol) "Women have been giving birth naturally for thousands of years. The pain ain't gonna kill ya, but if there is something wrong, that is what hospitals are for." And that is the way I see it .... if I don't need interventions, I don't want them, but if baby and I do need them, that is what the doctor is for.

 

[Saje]

That's interesting. Everyone woman that I can think of (that I know in person) has tried to do the natural birth with their first child. And then may or may not have opted for something else after. Maybe it's because the system is different here but if you want to go without drugs then it's certainly your option and the doctors seems to support that here. I don't think you are a nut at all. it's much more the 'norm' from my experience.

 

[release the hounds]

yeah, nothing is forced upon you by dr's and nurse's (sarcasm) Like my college roomate that wanted a natural birth, and had one, she thought, till she got the bill and noticed a nice charge for the slow drip of Ptocin they put in an IV after the delivery. Didn't know that until the baby was a month old. They didn't "force it" they just didn't tell her. it happens more often than some would care to admit.

 

[tessa_s212]

yeah, nothing is forced upon you by dr's and nurse's (sarcasm) Like my college roomate that wanted a natural birth, and had one, she thought, till she got the bill and noticed a nice charge for the slow drip of Ptocin they put in an IV after the delivery. Didn't know that until the baby was a month old. They didn't "force it" they just didn't tell her. it happens more often than some would care to admit.

This is exactly why I'm informing and educating myself now so I do have the chance to refuse unnecessary things like that. Like I said, my friend that just gave birth didn't even know she'd been induced! She didn't know that her baby had been given the Vit K injection - they didn't tell her. Failure to decline it means they automatically give it without even telling you that they are giving it.

So far of those I've known to be pregnant, my one friend was the only one that wanted a natural birth. Everyone else of all ages that I've known in person have opted directly to drugs to relieve pain. So maybe it just depends on the area or the sort of friends you(general you) keep. I'm very very very much the minority it seems in not wanting an epidural. I get all sorts of "crazy" and "nuts" compliments when I tell people I don't want it. Lol

 

[nancy2394]

I did feel as though many of the "unreasonable", "unrealistic", and other less than constructive comments were aimed directly at me.. however, no hard feelings. I'm fully aware that my choice are less than popular and uncommon. I mean, what NUT would opt to be in tremendous pain rather than having a simple epidural? Lol. And I can certainly understand how this thread puts you in a bit of a tight corner, with my negative attitude towards doctors and L&D nurses in general. By no means is that ever meant to be directed at you either. It is just that along with how many times I've heard the same story repeated over and over about nurses and doctors pushing things on people, I've seen it happening with two of my own friends even and know that it is a reality. Mostly, I'm trying to do what is best for my baby. I'll put it the way my mom put it (lol, who'd think I'd ever quite my mom with having some sort of wisdom! Lol) "Women have been giving birth naturally for thousands of years. The pain ain't gonna kill ya, but if there is something wrong, that is what hospitals are for." And that is the way I see it .... if I don't need interventions, I don't want them, but if baby and I do need them, that is what the doctor is for.

I think the least amount of interventions is good. That's what most doctor's should have in mind when they figure out a plan of care. I guess it just surprises me that so many people have felt as though they were forced into things they didn't want as far as medical interventions.

I guess I'm glad the docs and nurses I work with don't do that. We never push drugs on anyone. At least I've never seen it. The patients always seem to be the ones asking for the drugs..lol. We had a lady who did not want a c-section and because the baby was fine and momma was fine.. the ob doctor let her labor for 3 days and eventually... she delivered vaginally.

We have policies we have to abide by, but we always take the patients wishes into consideration and try and accomadate them best as we can. Of course there are times that is just not able to happen. But we would never do anything without the patient's consent.

The only thing I see happen that truly bugs me is a certain few docs will try and hurry the labor along to have the patient deliver in a time frame that works with their schedule. And sometimes when that doesn't happen, they will suggest a c-section. But that's only 2 docs out of the groups that get impatient like that.

And we have a few midwives that will do everything in their power to make the birth as natural as the patient wants it. I truly do hope you have a wonderful birthing experience. I just didn't want you to have high expectations of this image of what you wanted your birthing experience to be like and have it not turn out that way. I know you'll be happy no matter how you get there... especially once you hold that baby in your arms for the first time. There's nothing else like that moment in my opinion.

 

[Saje]

The only thing I see happen that truly bugs me is a certain few docs will try and hurry the labor along to have the patient deliver in a time frame that works with their schedule. And sometimes when that doesn't happen, they will suggest a c-section. But that's only 2 docs out of the groups that get impatient like that.

See, that is when of the reasons I really love my old doc. I had fiona in a small hospital and they only had one 'baby nurse' lol I was scheduled to be induced one day but didn't progress and I was in a room across from the nurses station and the nurses will talking about the girl that was supposed to come in after me and how unhappy she was and my doc said 'I know she's not happy but she's just going to have to wait. That's all there is to it." lol HA

I had to give signed consent for almost anything they did for me. But then we have universal health care so the docs aren't out for an extra buck. <shrugs>

 

[Doberdogs]

I believe everyone needs to take an active role in their own health care. Doctors are just one human person too, and you can go to 4 different docs and get 4 different opinions/recommendations. Plus, accidents can happen when you are working with people and not computers, it is better to be responsible to a degree and research and take an active role with your life too, especially important matters like your own health.

Glad to hear you are researching about baby. You might like this forum below.
mothering |, then go the forum or community area. I can't remember which one it is under. I was at my doctor in the waiting room and picked up this magazine to pass the time and saw they had an online community. You might find it more interesting since you have one on the way

 

[puppydog]

Hell, I would like to avoid an epidural one day. If I can go natural, I would love it. I doubt I will make it, I hate pain.
I don't see what is wrong with being induced though. I was induced, my sisters kids were. I fail to see the issue with it. I will more then likely be induced so that I don't have to go into labour at 2am or some other crazy hour. I would like to be fresh, prepared and ready for it.

I do hope things go to plan with your birth. I honestly do. I just don't want to see you getting your knickers in a twist about things, you worry about keeping strong and healthy now, not what might or might not happen.

 

[sillysally]

Hell, I would like to avoid an epidural one day. If I can go natural, I would love it. I doubt I will make it, I hate pain.
I don't see what is wrong with being induced though. I was induced, my sisters kids were. I fail to see the issue with it. I will more then likely be induced so that I don't have to go into labour at 2am or some other crazy hour. I would like to be fresh, prepared and ready for it.

My mother in law says it's more painful and makes you sick. She had 8 kids and had to be induced with my husband, #2 child. She said it was so painful that she avoided it with the other 6...

 

[puppydog]

My mother in law says it's more painful and makes you sick. She had 8 kids and had to be induced with my husband, #2 child. She said it was so painful that she avoided it with the other 6...

That was back in the old days. Very rudimentary drugs. Now they have extreemly good drugs that trigger labour. My sister had it with both her kids and she had very easy labours with no more then normal pain levels.

 

[tessa_s212]

The problem with induction is that many doctors/hospitals are starting to induce women that are NOT having a problem with labor - they simply want to "hurry it along" for their own convenience. (This is my biggest problem with it!)

Induction contractions are much, much more painful. Hyperstimulation of the uterus can occur - contracting too hard and too frequent to allow the women to prepare in between contracts or get some amount of relief for a short time. Induction can even cause rupture of the uterus.

Due to my wanting a natural, drug free labor, I don't want to be induced if there is not a true need and lessen my chances of being able to handle the pain. Also, being induced (and the hyperstimulation) can actually CAUSE babies to go into fetal distress because the contracts are hard on the baby as well, which then increases the rate of c-sections. (They should be closely monitoring the pitocin they give and the contractions to prevent this, but... things still happen.)

Quite simply - the more interventions, the more likely complications can arise. At least if something goes wrong despite my not having drugs or synthesized hormones in my body, I know it couldn't have been helped.

 

[puppydog]

Ok, makes perfect sense. I also just learned something. Again, I wish you luck.