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Austin Babies
Experience w/ Scott & White Round Rock?
Hi! Does anyone have any experience delivering (especially naturally) at Scott & White Round Rock on University Blvd? Or any experiences with the SW OBs that deliver there?
I recently attended a birthing class and tour of their birthing unit, and I now have some concerns. I was planning on a natural, unmediated birth (like I had with my first child), but it doesn't seem like the hospital or staff is really open to it.
Some specific reasons for concerns:
- They seem very pro epidural and recommended everyone in the class sign their consent forms with the anesthesiologist weeks in advance of the birth, to save time.
- A big focus of the class was on pain relief options, induction and c-section info. However, anyone that wanted to learn about breathing techniques to help with labor could stay AFTER class for that info. (Which, BTW, lasted about 10 minutes.)
- The instructor (a SW L&D nurse) could not or would not tell us what percentage of births were done via c-section at the hospital. She kept quoting the national average of 33%, even when she was asked specifically for the info on SW's stats.
- There's no NICU unit at the hospital. So if something goes wrong and your baby needs one, he or she will be transferred to a different hospital.
- Said all moms get an IV inserted when they check in, regardless of the planned delivery method. (I don't really want an IV unless it is needed, so I can be more mobile during labor, etc.)
- Said we could be mobile during labor, but only within the 6 ft. range of the fetal monitor cables next to the delivery bed.
- When asked about birthing tubs or showers, they said there were no tubs, but we could use the (tiny) in-room shower to help with labor, but only for a very short time, because they don't want moms away from the monitors for too long.
- Said we would be giving birth on our backs because "it's easier for [the nurses/doctors]."
- When asked about delaying the clamping of the cord, was told that wasn't really done, and I should talk to my doctor about it.
- You only know you'll be getting your doctor to deliver your baby during business hours, M-F 8am-6pm. If you deliver on evenings or weekends, you get the on-call OB, which is a 1 in 6 chance could be your regular doctor. (But is this pretty common with all OB practices?)
- And on a less important note (though it may become important after delivering), meals are only given to patients between 7am to 7pm. If you need a meal outside those hours you'll have to get someone to bring you food from outside the hospital.
So, this is what we were told... just wondering if anyone has any actual experience delivering there.
I love my OB, but am worried about the hospital processes not being willing to adapt to my needs or will be right for me. And then there's the whole hospital "facility fee" I just realized I've been paying to SW for all my non-hospital OB visits ( bit.ly/X0M1VI ), so I'm wondering if at this point (34 weeks) it's time to find a new doctor and hospital.
Thanks!
I recently attended a birthing class and tour of their birthing unit, and I now have some concerns. I was planning on a natural, unmediated birth (like I had with my first child), but it doesn't seem like the hospital or staff is really open to it.
Some specific reasons for concerns:
- They seem very pro epidural and recommended everyone in the class sign their consent forms with the anesthesiologist weeks in advance of the birth, to save time.
- A big focus of the class was on pain relief options, induction and c-section info. However, anyone that wanted to learn about breathing techniques to help with labor could stay AFTER class for that info. (Which, BTW, lasted about 10 minutes.)
- The instructor (a SW L&D nurse) could not or would not tell us what percentage of births were done via c-section at the hospital. She kept quoting the national average of 33%, even when she was asked specifically for the info on SW's stats.
- There's no NICU unit at the hospital. So if something goes wrong and your baby needs one, he or she will be transferred to a different hospital.
- Said all moms get an IV inserted when they check in, regardless of the planned delivery method. (I don't really want an IV unless it is needed, so I can be more mobile during labor, etc.)
- Said we could be mobile during labor, but only within the 6 ft. range of the fetal monitor cables next to the delivery bed.
- When asked about birthing tubs or showers, they said there were no tubs, but we could use the (tiny) in-room shower to help with labor, but only for a very short time, because they don't want moms away from the monitors for too long.
- Said we would be giving birth on our backs because "it's easier for [the nurses/doctors]."
- When asked about delaying the clamping of the cord, was told that wasn't really done, and I should talk to my doctor about it.
- You only know you'll be getting your doctor to deliver your baby during business hours, M-F 8am-6pm. If you deliver on evenings or weekends, you get the on-call OB, which is a 1 in 6 chance could be your regular doctor. (But is this pretty common with all OB practices?)
- And on a less important note (though it may become important after delivering), meals are only given to patients between 7am to 7pm. If you need a meal outside those hours you'll have to get someone to bring you food from outside the hospital.
So, this is what we were told... just wondering if anyone has any actual experience delivering there.
I love my OB, but am worried about the hospital processes not being willing to adapt to my needs or will be right for me. And then there's the whole hospital "facility fee" I just realized I've been paying to SW for all my non-hospital OB visits ( bit.ly/X0M1VI ), so I'm wondering if at this point (34 weeks) it's time to find a new doctor and hospital.
Thanks!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Experience w/ Scott & White Round Rock?
I don't have any experience with that hospital but it doesn't sound like it offers any of the things you're looking for. I go to a doctor/midwife practice that delivers at North Austin Medical Center and they completely support a med free birth along with movement during labor, birthing in any position you want, and it will either be the doctor or midwife with you, no exceptions, whatever day/time you go into labor.
I assume that since you've been with your doctor for 34 weeks you must like them, so maybe you can talk about your concerns with them and I would also write a birth plan to make your wishes known to the hospital staff as well as whichever doctor delivers you.
If you do decide to change I highly recommend Nurture OBGYN or if you want a bigger practice, OBGYN North. They both delver at NAMC which is more friendly to med free births than other hospitals because of working with these 2 practices. Also, NAMC has a NICU, which I agree would be important for emergencies.
Good luck with your decision and I hope everything works out the way you want it too!!!
Some of this sounds about right. I am going to deliver at St. Davids (mopac and parmer) and they have an NICU. Although I have never been asked to sign a waiver for an epidural form and we went over all the breathing exercises. I heard everyone has to have an IV inserted in their arm (nothing is coming into the tube), but it?s there in case they need it. I believe you can still walk the halls, ect with the IV tube if your arm. There are no bathtubs either and you cannot bring one. I believe it has something to do with hospital liability as this is pretty common.
I would think about a birthing center if you know you do not want an epidural and want more flexibility. The only bad part is they are not able to provide any pain medication if you find out you need some.
Ewww, this is a no no....
Hello! As a doula in the area I would like to offer you a little advice!
- They seem very pro epidural and recommended everyone in the class sign their consent forms with the anesthesiologist weeks in advance of the birth, to save time.
*signing the consent forms ahead of time is fairly common in hospital, since most people don't read paperwork cover to cover often parents don't even realize that they are signing it. The hospitals that don't have you sign ahead of time will often ask you multiple times to consent if you chose to go that route before actually doing the epidural.
- A big focus of the class was on pain relief options, induction and c-section info. However, anyone that wanted to learn about breathing techniques to help with labor could stay AFTER class for that info. (Which, BTW, lasted about 10 minutes.)
*My advice to ANYONE who is taking a class at the place where they are actually having the birth, is to supplement with a class that is outside of the hospital as well, it doesn't really matter where ( although I have recommendations if you would like them) just as long as its an opinion that is not the birthing places opinion, because let's be honest, they aren't going to tell you anything that goes against the practices of their own OB's.
- The instructor (a SW L&D nurse) could not or would not tell us what percentage of births were done via c-section at the hospital. She kept quoting the national average of 33%, even when she was asked specifically for the info on SW's stats.
-This usually depends on the Doctor, although they should know the hospital rate as well. It's more important to know your OB/GYN's rate though, if the hospital has a 10% c-section rate (this is low, and probably not true) but your particular OB does 90% of those C-sections, than you are still not in a very good position.
- There's no NICU unit at the hospital. So if something goes wrong and your baby needs one, he or she will be transferred to a different hospital.
*this is probably why they are overly cautious with the interventions....
Said all moms get an IV inserted when they check in, regardless of the planned delivery method. (I don't really want an IV unless it is needed, so I can be more mobile during labor, etc.)
*This is going to be true of nearly any hospital, its part of check-in. You can advocate to just get a Hep-lock as a good compromise. This way you technically have an IV "started" but you are not constricted and having to drag an IV pole with you everywhere you go ( If they even let you up)
Said we could be mobile during labor, but only within the 6 ft. range of the fetal monitor cables next to the delivery bed.
* If they insist on constant fetal monitoring than this is absolutely true. If they are not getting a "good enough" reading on your contractions or fetal heart tones they will request an IUPC for internal monitoring and this will confine you to the bed.
All in all you need to be completely comfortable with where you are delivering, and not have any reservations about it. I have seen many beautiful hospital births and believe that every woman has the right to have the birth that SHE wants to have, not the birth the hospital/OB/GYN/ family/ or anyone else wants you to have. Another thing to remember is that ultimately you have the power, they cannot do any procedure/treatment without your consent regardless of where you are. Take classes, read books, get educated about every aspect of childbirth so that when the time comes to make a decision about interventions and such you have all the information and can make informed decisions!!
and...hire a doula! ;-)
Hope this helps!