Talk to me about refusing procedures

RandiDeeAnn · December 2011

So, I think I'm stuck with my OB and hospital. For those who haven't been following here's the run down. Sorry if it is all one huge paragraph. I'm on an iPad. My OB doesn't like for ANY pregnancy to go past 40 weeks, starts measuring progress at 36 weeks and relies HEAVILY on those numbers each time, requires continuous external monitoring until the water breaks, can choose internal after. I asked about movement during labor and he acted like I had another head. His response was as long as they can keep up with the HB. The other office sent me a letter with many of the same restrictions. These are my only options. No MWs to attend a homebirth, no birthing centers, no MWs at the hospitals that attend VBACs that I've found. So, I really have this feeling I'm going to go past 40 weeks. So how do I gear myself for refusing a section? Should I refuse internals? I think that he is going to get royally ticked over that since he puts so much stock in them. And can I refuse the continuous monitoring? I'm not totally against the monitoring as long as the nurses get off their lazy rear ends, not all nurses, and come find the HB again. I am however a little disappointed that I won't be able to use the shower for pain relief with it. I'm only 12 weeks, but I need to make peace with my options early on. Giving birth shouldn't be a fight!

cchill01 · December 2011

I certainly don't envy your position. Check out this list, it is helpful.

https://www.ican-online.org/vbac/your-right-refuse-what-do-if-your-hospital-has-banned-vbac-q

So, I would toe the line until at least 37wks, so that he can't drop you. Once he's stuck with you, then you can start refusing procedures without fear. The hardest part will be to stay strong, when I'm sure he'll be throwing all sorts of fear tactics your way.

babyike · December 2011

Is there an ICAN group near you that can provide you with provider recommendations? If not, then you'll have to be prepared to refuse certain interventions and sign "Against Medical Advice" paperwork. Having a doula in these cases would be extremely helpful, preferably one that is already familiar with your hospital's policies/restrictions. It's not an ideal situation to be put in by any means, but you do what you need to do sometimes.

FX that you can come to a flexible agreement with your current OB, or that another provider that is more "VBAC-friendly" comes along Yes GL to you!

RandiDeeAnn · December 2011

babyike:
Is there an ICAN group near you that can provide you with provider recommendations? If not, then you'll have to be prepared to refuse certain interventions and sign "Against Medical Advice" paperwork. Having a doula in these cases would be extremely helpful, preferably one that is already familiar with your hospital's policies/restrictions. It's not an ideal situation to be put in by any means, but you do what you need to do sometimes.
FX that you can come to a flexible agreement with your current OB, or that another provider that is more "VBAC-friendly" comes along GL to you!

Both doulas we are going to interview are regulars at this hospital, so that is a plus. The local ICAN group doesn't have meetings. The leader did recommend a provider at the other hospital, but that practice sent me a letter that almost discourages VBACs. It is just another thing on the long let of things that suck about living in Arkansas. Do you have to sign those forms for every procedure refused?

RandiDeeAnn · December 2011

**list.

ChavayJakov · December 2011

You sound like you are dealing with a lot of the things I've had to deal with this pregnancy (still dealing with)...My best advice for you is to simultaneously do three things: search for a doula (you may want to find one that is a montrice as well...I'm just learning about that angle myself). The next thing you'll want to do is to join your local ICan board (International Cesarean Awareness Network ). They will give you leads and feedback on hospitals, doctors, doulas and miscellaneous. My local one is on Facebook. And then, finally, read and be aware of as much as you can...check with your hospital what their policies are for women in labor...my original hospital actually had a ban on VBAC, so I had to find another place. Different hospitals will have different procedures they want a woman to jump through...like some are fine with a woman in labor walking freely with limited monitoring 15 minutes every hour...others want you strapped to the bed and a belt monitor...the doc is bound to their procedures.

ChavayJakov · December 2011

Sorry, hit post too soon. Labor at home for as long as you can (obviously if a medical reason crops up between now and then for you to necessitate intervention for the health of the baby, you'll be agreeable...it's the arbitrary choosing of a week to deliver that is the difficulty). When it comes to the week where he says, "OK, time to schedule" you can always cancel after you make the appointment, miss the appointment, not make the appointment stating you want to coordinate a time with your DH, blah, blah, blah. The longer you labor at home, with a healthy pregnancy, the less time you are in the hospital with the opportunity for them to feel the need to intercede/interfere with your L&D. That's one of the benefits of having a doula with you...they'll stay with you at your home and then travel with you to the hospital.

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