Hospital births...some people are too critical?

MrserinJ · March 2010

I was just reading a post below about doctors/nurses and medication and it made me wonder how people felt about these things. I know a lot of people choose natural births, home births, midwives, etc and I think that's great. I don't know much about it, so I can't comment on it. I do find however, just from a lot of friends, and even here on the bump that some people are critical and presumptuous about medicated/hospital/doctor births, when they haven't actually experienced one!

For me personally, I had an epidural and a hospital birth. I had a wonderful experience. I had nearly 2 days between my water breaking and delivering my son. Not once did anyone push anything on me. I did request an epidural, but they were always very supportive of what I wanted and tried to work with that. Knowing I wanted to avoid a c-section, they did everything they could to make sure I delivered vaginally. I had wonderful support from my nurses and doctors.

I think its great that people choose natural births- I totally commend those mothers! It is however, a very personal decision and though I don't feel like people look down on me for my choice, I sometimes feel like doctors get an unfair rap. I'm sure there is the odd bad experience with both types of births, but not every experience is bad! I don't see why some people are so negative about the hospital birth with doctors based on heresay.

Again, I just want to make sure people know I'm not putting down natural birth, I just sometimes feel like there are a lot of negative feelings about doing it the other way too! Any thoughts?

sarasek · March 2010

I think everyone is free to have an opinion on the matter... and every woman who is about to birth a baby is free to make her own choices regarding where it will happen and if it will be natural/medicated, etc. There is a lot of judgment that goes around, unfortunately. Like you said, it's a personal decision for that woman, her doctor and DH to decide on. My view is, 'this is my baby, I'll do what I feel is best for me and my baby. You worry about your own.'

LCB34 · March 2010

I tend to agree with you.

I feel like there is a growing group of women that don't do the research about a med free birth and simply talk a big talk yet haven't a clue what they are getting themselves into. If I had to deal with patients like that all day, I would make the comment that was in the OP below. And quite frankly, give the natural birth sector a bad name.

I just think people need to research, pick a birth option that is best for them, but most importantly remain open minded. I think a lot of ladies forget to keep an open mind when going in to the laboring process.

Wendy525 · March 2010

I had DD in a hospital and planning to have this one in a hospital too. The idea of a home birth sounds lovely, but I think there is a risk involved. If the birth does not go as planned, and a C-section is needed or something else, then that care will be delayed and you have to rush to a hospital.

The parts I didn't like about being in the hospital were being confined to a bed and hooked up to an IV. I wish my L&D room had a tub like some others.

MrserinJ · March 2010

sarasek:
I think everyone is free to have an opinion on the matter... and every woman who is about to birth a baby is free to make her own choices regarding where it will happen and if it will be natural/medicated, etc. There is a lot of judgment that goes around, unfortunately. Like you said, it's a personal decision for that woman and her doctor, and DH to decide on. My view is, 'this is my baby, I'll do what I feel is best for me and my baby. You worry about your own.'

Yes, I agree. I'm not talking about the woman's right to choose what type of birth she has. I guess I meant that it seems like some people have the wrong idea about hospital births. I sometimes think that doctors and nurses get an unfair picture painted of them.

Dobie_Mama · March 2010

I think you get criticism on whatever side you're on. There are lots of people who think I'm a nutter for wanting a med-free VBAC. Birth choice tends to be one of those areas where people are very divided. You're damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

meatball17 · March 2010

I think some hospitals have a reputation over others for being pushy. My fear is being given Pitocin, making me then want an epi, resluting in needing more Pit b/c of the epi and more epi b/c of the Pit, therefor adding unnecessary stress the the baby and possible emergency c-section, etc. Seriously overthinking, I know.

I have found that where I am, the hospitals have a reputation for being very pushy on the drugs, both PIT and epi, and have a high c-section rate.

sarasek · March 2010

MrserinJ:
sarasek:
I think everyone is free to have an opinion on the matter... and every woman who is about to birth a baby is free to make her own choices regarding where it will happen and if it will be natural/medicated, etc. There is a lot of judgment that goes around, unfortunately. Like you said, it's a personal decision for that woman and her doctor, and DH to decide on. My view is, 'this is my baby, I'll do what I feel is best for me and my baby. You worry about your own.'

Yes, I agree. I'm not talking about the woman's right to choose what type of birth she has. I guess I meant that it seems like some people have the wrong idea about hospital births. I sometimes think that doctors and nurses get an unfair picture painted of them.

I hear horror stories from women who had kids about their hospitals, or experiences. And along the same lines, I hear wonderful stories from other women about their doctors, etc. Every experience is different, I guess and everyone's perception is different for various reasons. I have faith and trust in my doctor, and I can't imagine being anywhere *but* a hospital for my LO's birth. But I also can acknowledge not everyone feels the same as I do

mysticporter · March 2010

LCB34:
I tend to agree with you.

I feel like there is a growing group of women that don't do the research about a med free birth and simply talk a big talk yet haven't a clue what they are getting themselves into. If I had to deal with patients like that all day, I would make the comment that was in the OP below. And quite frankly, give the natural birth sector a bad name.

I just think people need to research, pick a birth option that is best for them, but most importantly remain open minded. I think a lot of ladies forget to keep an open mind when going in to the laboring process.

I agree completely with what you said about being open minded, and with OP about hospitals getting generalized with a bad rep sometimes. I had a med-free birth in a hospital, and had a great experience.

I actually feel the opposite is true about research in some ways, though. I took the canned hospital class that gave some breathing techniques as well as discussing pain management with drugs, went in without a clue other than take it as it comes, and had a med-free birth. The nurses were completely supportive. I think the ones who give med-free the bad name are ones that do a TON of research, and are so committed to their plan and their "method" that they are telling the doctors what to do and making demands of the nurses that aren't practical because they think they know everything.

tarebear9891 · March 2010

LCB34:

I just think people need to research, pick a birth option that is best for them, but most importantly remain open minded. I think a lot of ladies forget to keep an open mind when going in to the laboring process.

I think this is the most important part of labor/delivery. When people ask my advice this is pretty much all I say. Choose the option you want be keep an open mind and don't be heartbroken if things have to change as you go. The most important part is getting a healthy baby and in the end it doesn't really matter how they got there.

amygauntt@windstream.net · March 2010

I had a med free water birth...in a hospital with an OB. I would not want it any other way. I love my OB & I love the hospital I deliver at. At the same time, just b/c he's a doctor, doesn't mean he doesn't fully support natural birth, like so many people think. People automatically think if you go natural you have to have a midwife.

katorigasuki · March 2010

how on earth did they allow you to more than 24 hour from your water breaking?

the only reason i ended up with c/s was because my water broke and i hadn't delivered 29 hours later.

Dreamsicle23 · March 2010

meatball17:
I think some hospitals have a reputation over others for being pushy. My fear is being given Pitocin, making me then want an epi, resluting in needing more Pit b/c of the epi and more epi b/c of the Pit, therefor adding unnecessary stress the the baby and possible emergency c-section, etc. Seriously overthinking, I know.
I have found that where I am, the hospitals have a reputation for being very pushy on the drugs, both PIT and epi, and have a high c-section rate.

I'm very pro-hospital...but this worries me as well. I know many people who have been through this in IRL, and on most of the TV shows about birth it seems they give out Pitocin like candy on Halloween. As long as your hospital isn't trying to force it on you though, I guess the decision is still in your own hands.

LCB34 · March 2010

mysticporter:
LCB34:

I tend to agree with you.

I feel like there is a growing group of women that don't do the research about a med free birth and simply talk a big talk yet haven't a clue what they are getting themselves into. If I had to deal with patients like that all day, I would make the comment that was in the OP below. And quite frankly, give the natural birth sector a bad name.

I just think people need to research, pick a birth option that is best for them, but most importantly remain open minded. I think a lot of ladies forget to keep an open mind when going in to the laboring process.

I agree completely with what you said about being open minded, and with OP about hospitals getting generalized with a bad rep sometimes. I had a med-free birth in a hospital, and had a great experience.

I actually feel the opposite is true about research in some ways, though. I took the canned hospital class that gave some breathing techniques as well as discussing pain management with drugs, went in without a clue other than take it as it comes, and had a med-free birth. The nurses were completely supportive. I think the ones who give med-free the bad name are ones that do a TON of research, and are so committed to their plan and their "method" that they are telling the doctors what to do and making demands of the nurses that aren't practical because they think they know everything.

You make a very valid point.

To me, research means knowing all of your options and knowing that what you want may not happen.

The group I was referring to are women that have this idea in their head about how they want to birth but have not done a lick of research to see if it is possible to have the birth plan they so "desire'.

I didn't do a good job explaining/ with word choice on that one!

MrserinJ · March 2010

sarasek:
MrserinJ:

sarasek:
I think everyone is free to have an opinion on the matter... and every woman who is about to birth a baby is free to make her own choices regarding where it will happen and if it will be natural/medicated, etc. There is a lot of judgment that goes around, unfortunately. Like you said, it's a personal decision for that woman and her doctor, and DH to decide on. My view is, 'this is my baby, I'll do what I feel is best for me and my baby. You worry about your own.'

Yes, I agree. I'm not talking about the woman's right to choose what type of birth she has. I guess I meant that it seems like some people have the wrong idea about hospital births. I sometimes think that doctors and nurses get an unfair picture painted of them.

I hear horror stories from women who had kids about their hospitals, or experiences. And along the same lines, I hear wonderful stories from other women about their doctors, etc. Every experience is different, I guess and everyone's perception is different for various reasons. I have faith and trust in my doctor, and I can't imagine being anywhere *but* a hospital for my LO's birth. But I also can acknowledge not everyone feels the same as I do

Of course. I believe to not everyone feels the same way as me and they have a right to choose something different. I just hope people have correct information when choosing (on both sides).

That is a great point though, that you inadvertently made. Having faith in your doctor (or caregiver) is so important. A good, honest doctor/midwife/doula etc. should always have your best interests at heart and you should be able to trust them. Maybe that is the problem.

I saw "A Baby Story" once where a woman had a midwife and wanted a natural birth. When she was in labor, she changed her mind and couldn't handle the pain. She wanted an epi. The midwife was horrible and really did everything she could to discourage her from the epidural and spoke to her like she was failing. I think it was so unsupportive and therefore just a bad as a pushy doctor. I guess it works both ways.

MrserinJ · March 2010

katorigasuki:

how on earth did they allow you to more than 24 hour from your water breaking?

the only reason i ended up with c/s was because my water broke and i hadn't delivered 29 hours later.

Probably because they are doctors and they know what they're doing. They monitored me very closely for signs of infection, etc. Not every case is cut and dried. They go to school for a long time and obviously know a lot more than you or I.

Laura0575 · March 2010

Again, I'm just really glad I don't have to give birth in a cave someplace and have leaves and mud stuffed up my hoo-ha.

Sharon&Paul · March 2010

As someone who works in the medical field I have my opinions and very much side with a hospital birth. What scares me the most is what people just don't know, but think they do. Doctors go through many years of training and have years of experience. Some women make decisions without any research and don't truly understand the consequences of their decisions. I feel woman need to be educated more (these are both woman choosing home-births and hospital births) and not by the genreal media. You need to use realiable source, not your mother's or friend's experience but actual medical studies and reports.

MrsBNDO · March 2010

sarasek:
I think everyone is free to have an opinion on the matter... and every woman who is about to birth a baby is free to make her own choices regarding where it will happen and if it will be natural/medicated, etc. There is a lot of judgment that goes around, unfortunately. Like you said, it's a personal decision for that woman, her doctor and DH to decide on. My view is, 'this is my baby, I'll do what I feel is best for me and my baby. You worry about your own.'

My sentiments exactly. I brought (and am bringing) my babies into this world the very best way for us and our own health and safety. If people want to judge my birth plans, it seems silly to me, but then again that's there prerogative!

amygauntt@windstream.net · March 2010

katorigasuki:
how on earth did they allow you to more than 24 hour from your water breaking?
the only reason i ended up with c/s was because my water broke and i hadn't delivered 29 hours later.

I was at 19 hours after my water broke. They would have let me go over, just at that point, they would have started antibiotics. You don't HAVE to have a c/s just b/c your water is broke more than 24 hours.

MrserinJ · March 2010

amynjay:
I had a med free water birth...in a hospital with an OB. I would not want it any other way. I love my OB & I love the hospital I deliver at. At the same time, just b/c he's a doctor, doesn't mean he doesn't fully support natural birth, like so many people think. People automatically think if you go natural you have to have a midwife.

Ditto. I couldn't agree more.

Sharon&Paul · March 2010

MrserinJ:
katorigasuki:

how on earth did they allow you to more than 24 hour from your water breaking?

the only reason i ended up with c/s was because my water broke and i hadn't delivered 29 hours later.

Probably because they are doctors and they know what they're doing. They monitored me very closely for signs of infection, etc. Not every case is cut and dried. They go to school for a long time and obviously know a lot more than you or I.

I went 39 hours. At no time was there signs of complications and I was monitored very closely.

KellyG6279 · March 2010

I totally agree. Depending on who you talk to, what kind of people you associate with and how much reading/research you do will form your views on doctors/nurses/hospitals/interventions, etc.

If you're a hippie/crunchy type who has friends of the same, then you will have a completely different perspective than someone who has friends who specifically schedule their c-section 3 weeks before sister's wedding.

There are a lot of great articles out there that analyze specific hospital c-section rates/inductions/interventions, etc. It is the complete responsibility of the mother (and father) to do their homework.

For the most part, drs/nurses want to help. They deal with a wide variety of patients on a daily basis and have seen a lot.

Have a plan, know what you want and find a hospital/dr you like.

mysticporter · March 2010

LCB34:
mysticporter:
LCB34:

I tend to agree with you.

I feel like there is a growing group of women that don't do the research about a med free birth and simply talk a big talk yet haven't a clue what they are getting themselves into. If I had to deal with patients like that all day, I would make the comment that was in the OP below. And quite frankly, give the natural birth sector a bad name.

I just think people need to research, pick a birth option that is best for them, but most importantly remain open minded. I think a lot of ladies forget to keep an open mind when going in to the laboring process.

I agree completely with what you said about being open minded, and with OP about hospitals getting generalized with a bad rep sometimes. I had a med-free birth in a hospital, and had a great experience.

I actually feel the opposite is true about research in some ways, though. I took the canned hospital class that gave some breathing techniques as well as discussing pain management with drugs, went in without a clue other than take it as it comes, and had a med-free birth. The nurses were completely supportive. I think the ones who give med-free the bad name are ones that do a TON of research, and are so committed to their plan and their "method" that they are telling the doctors what to do and making demands of the nurses that aren't practical because they think they know everything.

You make a very valid point.

To me, research means knowing all of your options and knowing that what you want may not happen.

The group I was referring to are women that have this idea in their head about how they want to birth but have not done a lick of research to see if it is possible to have the birth plan they so "desire'.

I didn't do a good job explaining/ with word choice on that one!

Gotcha, I agree. Also what one of the other poster's said about 'research' not being something you heard from someone, or even necessarily something you read on the internet somewhere. The web makes it really easy for something to come across as very professional when it's really just someone's horridly biased opinion.

AmandaJane1 · March 2010

How you choose to give birth (home, hospital, BC, med free, with meds, etc) is so personal. I have found on my side of the family and in my circle of friends, everyone looks at me like I'm crazy when I say I'm going natural. But, my DH's circle is all about the natural way, and I'm sure I'd be judged if I decided to get an epi. People also have good and bad experiences in both situations.

It sucks to be judged about these choices no matter what they are. In my opinion, as long as you aren't hurting your LO (or self) and making irresponsible health care decisions, do what is best for you. Birth should be the best experience you can make it, and F anyone who gives you attitude for your choices!

JhawkCE · March 2010

The simple fact is no matter what you choose some will have good experiences and some bad. People use these as a rule of thumb and generalize when they shouldn't.

MrserinJ · March 2010

Sharon&Paul:
MrserinJ:
katorigasuki:

how on earth did they allow you to more than 24 hour from your water breaking?

the only reason i ended up with c/s was because my water broke and i hadn't delivered 29 hours later.

Probably because they are doctors and they know what they're doing. They monitored me very closely for signs of infection, etc. Not every case is cut and dried. They go to school for a long time and obviously know a lot more than you or I.

I went 39 hours. At no time was there signs of complications and I was monitored very closely.

Exactly. I was 43 hours. They know what they're doing and I trust that they wouldn't put my baby or myself in harm's way.

orlandolovin · March 2010

Wow, I hope I have as nice of an experience as you! I know that, since this is my first baby, I'm more apt to be negative because I am absolutely petrified haha. It's nice to hear about the good experiences.

MegT21 · March 2010

PP (sorry I hit reply instead of quote):

"As someone who works in the medical field I have my opinions and very much side with a hospital birth. What scares me the most is what people just don't know, but think they do. Doctors go through many years of training and have years of experience. Some women make decisions without any research and don't truly understand the consequences of their decisions. I feel woman need to be educated more (these are both woman choosing home-births and hospital births) and not by the genreal media. You need to use realiable source, not your mother's or friend's experience but actual medical studies and reports."

THIS!!! Perfectly said! I do understand women who have already HAD a birthing experience and then decide what to do the next time around based on that. But I HATE IT when they make a general assumption b/c of info. they heard on The Bump.

MrserinJ · March 2010

orlandolovin:
Wow, I hope I have as nice of an experience as you! I know that, since this is my first baby, I'm more apt to be negative because I am absolutely petrified haha. It's nice to hear about the good experiences.

Haha. I am petrified again too! I thought I wouldn't be as scared this time, but I know every pregnancy/labor is different, so its still a bit scary. Labor isn't fun, but I think its good the have a caregiver who will make it the best experience possible for you. GL!

PubStar09 · March 2010

More power to the ladies who opt for a home birth with midwives and what not. My whole thing is, if something were to go wrong in a split second, I want a team of highly-educated professionals there to get me through it. On top of that, I want it to hurt as little as possible (since I'm a weenie), and will definitely have an epidural.

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