Has anyone had to refuse the iv/heplock? I've seen many posts about comprising and getting the heplock as opposed to the iv, but personally, I don't want to do either one since needles are the biggest hurdle I would like to avoid during labor.
I know the hospitals cannot force you to do any procedure you do not consent to, but I was wondering how many have refused both the iv and the heplock and how badly did you have to fight for that??
Re: Refusing IV
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At my hospital neither IV or heplock are standard. When I arrived at the hospital my MW recommended a heplock for my specific circumstance. They told me why they were suggesting it and that I could refuse. I didn't have a problem with it so I got it.
Since they told me flat out that I could refuse I don't think it would have been a problem to do so. Hopefully you won't have a problem refusing. If so, ask them why it is so important for you to have it. If you are staying hydrated you shouldn't need one unless a problem arises.
I refused both because having an IV style needle always makes me feel like I can't move that whole arm.
I wouldn't call it a fight, but I had to be very insistent that I didn't want it. The biggest pressure was from my labor nurse (the first one was horrible, she was very medically minded) and she kept asking until I just very firmly stated I wouldn't not be getting one unless it was absolutely needed and I swore that I would stay hydrated.
I didn't end up needing one and actually didn't have any needles while I was in the hospital.
I wasn't nauseous at any point of my labour. I ate a Blizzard at 8 pm just as labour got hard. I was so thirsty during pushing, so I drank between every contraction.
It is really different woman to woman.
I had also thought beforehand that I was fine with a saline lock, but they didn't care about doing one. I think because I arrived so far along.
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