Things I have learned from my cousin's birth experience

MR.&Mrs · January 2013

First, let me say I am not judging her or her experience. These are just things that happened today, that would make me uncomfortable. Also, we did not go to the hospital, to allow her time bond.

I do not want my entire family in the room waiting for me to give birth. Sorry, but I probably won't tell anyone until the baby is coming; I am private person. Second, no camera phones allowed anywhere near me or my baby. My aunt was doing hourly updated fb post of my cousin and now her baby. Dh and I decided we don't want our baby having a virtual presence right from birth.

I definitely don't want my doctors breaking my water at 4cm. The ob broke my cousin's water when she hadn't been progressing. This led to and epi, then pit, and then of course a unplanned csection.

Like I said this is not a judgement on my cousin, but rather her doctors. I am definitely planning to stay at home for as long as possible.

andrewsmom12 · January 2013

The things you mentioned are common in hospital birth progressions. It sounds like you need to outline these desires in a birth plan. You should review old posts on this board for some tips. Good luck!

MR.&Mrs · January 2013

Yes definitely. I have lurked here for a while and read a bunch of birth plans and completely plan on having one.

eco+ri · January 2013

Depending on what the complication is, it was suggesting in a natural birthing book by Cynthia Gabriel that you tell hospital staff to "wait an hour" before proceeding with further medical intervention. She said it will help delay staff as long as you and the baby are okay, giving your body possibly the time it needs to progress. Sometimes, things just don't work out how you would hope, so I would suggest keeping an open-mind, because anything can happen in L&D. Not at saying not to keep hold of your principles, but sometimes (not all) interventions are need to save you and baby.

pcloud · January 2013

I plan to stay at home for as long as I can as well. This is my first, but I have witnessed several births from family and friends and it truly looked dreadful being stuck in a room for hours until being able to push. Not for me.