Can a person refuse forceps/vaccum delivery?

knottie3c0525a8a3c64eaa

I did a lot of research and it doesn't seem like something I would want by no means. I am afraid of the risks both for me and the baby, but especially to the baby. Too many stories of injuries to nerves, spinal cord, etc. Plus, for me, risk of tear, incontinence, etc. If it comes down to it, can we refuse an instrumental delivery and opt for a c-section at that point?

Holly_1007

absolutely. its your birth and your body.  the doctors are concerned about everyones health and safety.  MOST hospitals and doctors don't use forceps anymore and the use of vaccum is way down. 

with that being said, my son was delivered with a vaccum because my options were use the vaccuum or have a c section.  If you would prefer the c-section then just make sure your OB knows ahead of time

knottie3c0525a8a3c64eaa

Thanks, the problem is, I am with a group practice. What is it is not my ob on the day of? I am so worried...

mommytoconnor

You can refuse anything at anytime.  You need to make sure that your OB practice is aware of your desires and when you check into hospital make them aware as well.  I am an OB nurse and can tell you that forceps are rarely used anymore and vaccum is not often used either, but most women would opt for vaccum over csection.  You need to just make people aware of your preference for csection over these.

honeybunch23

I had a forceps assisted birth.   At that point, I was completely exhausted and it was either use forceps for 5 mins to help get him out, or go get prepped for a c-section.  I went for the short route!

 To answer your question, they did give me the choice, even at the last moment. 

Holly_1007

icoelho:

Thanks, the problem is, I am with a group practice. What is it is not my ob on the day of? I am so worried...

 they will MOST likely give you the heads up ahead of time, no matter who delivers.  that being said, make sure you have a birth partner (spouse, friend, doula etc) that knows your plans, they will be able to ensure no one goes against your wishes. If you draft up a birth plan this would definitely be something to mention in it. 

Especially if the OB isn't your normal OB they will tell you your options before doing anything. 

JameyR

they used the vacuum during my daughter's delivery because her heart rate was dropping every time i had a contraction. they told me i only had a "few pushes" to get her out or i was going to have a c-section. she had a little bump on her head from the vacuum but it was gone the next day. i would say that if your baby is in danger, do whatever you have to to get them out safely while keeping you safe too! good luck! your delivery will be great! i was terrified my entire pregnancy and after it was over, i thought that it wasn't that bad!

catsinawindow

icoelho:

I did a lot of research and it doesn't seem like something I would want by no means. I am afraid of the risks both for me and the baby, but especially to the baby. Too many stories of injuries to nerves, spinal cord, etc. Plus, for me, risk of tear, incontinence, etc. If it comes down to it, can we refuse an instrumental delivery and opt for a c-section at that point?

Yes, you can refuse vaccum or forceps.  I had a forceps delivery (after a failed vaccum attempt) and the OB before doing anything told me that I had the option of either of these or a c-section (I had been pushing for more than 3 hours at this point).  I wanted to avoid a c-section at all costs, so I agreed to the other two options.  I could have very easily said "no, lets go straight to c-section".

I do believe that I had a harder recovery b/c of the forceps delivery, but DS was just fine (other than a little brusing on his head).  I would still choose the forceps over c-section anyday.  C-section recoveries can be very hard, too, especially when happening after labor.  You can also look into the risks of c-section vs. instrumental vaginal delivery for the baby.  I don't know the numbers b/c I haven't researched them, but c-section babies do have a significantly higher risk of certain problems compared to vaginally born babies (breathing problems come to mind).  Just something to look into.

Best of luck for your birth!  Hopefully, you won't have to make this decision at all!

HopingForOne

You can certainly refuse it.

With that said, my doctor warned me that in some cases, a C-Section is less safe for baby, depending (if I remember correctly) how low the baby is at the time, what position it's in, etc.  I wouldn't rule anything out. 

mieuxmieux

I didn't have much for a birth plan, but I did specify that I didn't want a vacuum or forceps unless it was an absolute emergency. I'm pretty sure I would have kicked someone in the face if I saw them even holding one.

Diane107

You most certainly can.  My sister-in-law is mentally retarded due to a forceps birth done in the 70's.  While a c-section has it's own risks, we'd chose it rather than an instrumental delivery, as well.  Just make sure you go over your birth plan with your OB.

Saltina11

Do what you need to do to get your baby out safely, good luck!

BakerMommy

Of course you can refuse!  I pushed for 5.5 hours, and they offered the vacuum because it was taking so long (baby was not in distress or anything, I was just tired).  That pissed me off in a big way.  I got mad and had her out in a few more pushes!