Update to "Frustrated by my options"

turtlewifey · May 2011

Linky to original post:

https://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/53229754.aspx

Thank you ladies so much for your advice a few weeks back! I put together a birth wish list and discussed it with my OB at my last appointment. The conversation went really well. He was surprisingly supportive of my desire for as few interventions as possible. He did make the point (and it didn't offend me) that he knows more about birth than I do, which is absolutely true. He said it in a very non-judgemental way.

He actually said that things like episiotomies, pitocin, inductions and c-sections are a huge pain for the doctor, so it isn't something that he does just for the heck of it or to speed things up. That being said, I have a pretty slim chance of actually delivering with him since I will get whoever is on call at my practice when I go into labor. I can also hire a doula.

I won't be automatically induced at 41 weeks. He said that 41 weeks is when he begins the discussion of induction, and that actually the vast majority of inductions the practice does are due to the mother demanding them. We live near two military bases, so many women want to make sure their husband's can be present for the birth. He usually tries to talk women out of being induced because of the associated risks. Also, he only does episiotomies to prevent the urthera or other organs from tearing, not to speed things up or to make it easier for the doctor.

Thank you so much for your advice and wisdom! I'm going to order the Bradley book this week and I can't wait to start reading it. I'll probably go back to lurking more than posting over here since I don't think I have much to add, but I really appreciate what you all had to say. I feel much more confident now that my wishes regarding interventions will be respected rather than dismissed, and that if the doctor believes interventions are necessary then at least we can have a meaningful discussion as to why/risks/complications/benefits, etc.

sschwege · May 2011

Thank you so much for the update! Typically after a post like your previous one I wonder what the outcome is, so thanks for filling us in. I'm glad you were able to get everything ironed out with your doctor.