If you used a Doula...or throught about it...

KevandJess

So I talked to a Doula last night and Im so torn/confused.

I plan to give birth at St. Lukes. She was talking in general about hospital politics, etc. I asked her to give me an example. So she said for example the hospital gives you in IV, and only allows you to eat ice chips. She however doesnt think IV is needed and thinks I should be able to have yougurt, popsicles, etc.

I mean I just dont know if I do a clinical type hospital birth or if I listen to the Doula and go with a more non clinical??

Help? Advice?

mom2ll

I think several of us have learned the hard way.  I had a great birth experience.   However, if you have a baby at the hospital you have to follow the hospital rules..  Some nurses will cut you a little slack on some things, but for the most part the rules are the rules..  We had a big fight about the IV..  Not even my doctor could over ride that..  If you don't want an "institutional" birth do it at home or a birthing center NOT affiliated with the hospital.  St. Lukes has a birthing center..  but you still have to follow their rules... 

kat.in.the.hat

If you are in a hospital, there are things you are simply going to have to do.  However, a doula can help educate you as to what things are optional and what things you can decline and not have to sign AMA forms for, etc etc.  A doula cannot speak to the medical staff on your behalf though, so whatever choices you make, you will have to voice them to the staff.

I had a wonderful doula and was/am very pleased with my decision to hire her.

KT120106

My doula said that if you are uncomfortable with any supposed hospital policy, ask for in writing. Chances are, it may not be in writing. I had a completely med-free birth at St. Luke's last month. By the time I got to the hospital, I didn't want to eat, but I had juice, no IV, and I was free to move all around as I labored. My doula did speak on my behalf, and surprisingly, no one ever questioned any aspect of my birth plan.

Up until about the 6th month of pregnancy, I was one of those people who thought the natural birth people were absolutely nuts. However, we had some good friends sho had a successful natural birth and tipped us off to some sources that really educated my husband and I about hospitals and the majority of OBs. I ended up switching to the midwives at the Women's Specialists of Houston, and it was the best thing I ever did. When my baby dropped, she never turned, so she was trying to come out sideways (facing my hip.) I think about 99% of OBs would have given up and sectioned me, but my midwife was patient and turned Molly successfully.

Sorry this is so long. I am not trying to talk you into a natural birth, but I guess my point is that if you trust and respect your doula, you might want to look a little further into what she is telling you. Also, my experiences were different than PPs, so it is possible to some degree to have some of your wishes respected in a hospital setting. I personally had a very positive experience. I do think St. Luke's is better than many in Houston in this regard-my doula now refuses to assist births at Women's because it is so bad.

 

 

KT120106

About the doula speaking on my behalf, I should correct myself-while she did speak up for me, my birth plan had been given to my midwife in writing in advance, and the hospital staff also had a copy. If anything changed or deviated from that, I am sure they would have needed my actual consent.

KT120106

Sorry-I don't mean to post-hog-but I reread your post. If your doula is trying to talk you out of St. Luke's and you aren't comfortable with that, you need to get with a doula that is comfortable with assisting in a hospital birth. St. Luke's is willing to work with birth plans, so it is not a bad option for you, you do just need to be aware of the hospital politics like she said.