Questions for my Dr.

Re: Questions for my Dr.

• celiabwatson

  June 2012

  I'd ask two sets of questions, one positive and one negative, but try to roll them up into one question. That was confusing, here's what I mean:

  Positive - "I'm imagining a calm water birth with no interventions. Is that something you've done before? What is your experience with natural birth?" This encompasses several questions about the experience of the provider, what they're open to, hopefully they'd talk about what types of things they'd recommend (like position changes, massage etc) based on their experience.

  Negative - "I'm worried that something might happen that wouldn't allow me to have the birth I'm imagining. What circumstances in your experience would necessitate a change in the birth plan?" This will give you a good idea of the types of interventions your dr is prone to and where their limit is. They might say that if the baby is stuck they'll cut an episiotomy, are you ok with that? What I'd be looking for in an answer to this question is that they will only intervene if there's a clear danger to the baby or mom and that they'll start with the lowest risk interventions when possible. 

  

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• fmw0526 member

  June 2012

  I would strongly encourage getting a doula to be on your side and be your advocate during your birth.

  Also, if you know that hospital is behind on the times...I would suggest switching hospitals and/or care providers. 
  

  

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• AndromedaEclipse member

  June 2012

  RissKay:

  So, I want to have a completely natural water birth. I know that the hospital I will be delivering at is very behind natural births (as far as I could read.) I have also heard they have a tub you can rent for a water birth. 

  My question is this: what are some questions I should write down to ask the doctor? Assuming she's down with the water birth (which is something I am going to be asking for sure, what are some other important things I should ask? I was thinking of asking questions like, "If I say "No pitocin, will the hospital listen?" and things like that. Is that mindset too specific? The appointment for questions is what I'm going to in a week and a half, and we want to be ready!  

  Just an FYI, they can't do anything to you without your consent unless the baby is in distress.
  

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• BLuvsE member

  June 2012

  I googled "questions when interviewing a midwife" and compiled a couple of lists. I was afraid she would be offended, but didn't care since the answers to my questions were important. I told her I wanted to find out early if we were on the same page rather than find out right before delivery.

  She was totally cool! In fact, I think she was glad that I was asking. I don't have my whole list, but it was stuff like

  - Under what circumstances would you induce?

  - Under what circumstances would you have me get out of the tub?

  - Under what circumstances would you ____ - you get the idea.

  And then stuff like

  - If I need you between visits, what should I do?

  - At what point do I call you when it's time to deliver?

  - Will you be with me at the hospital? Will you stay with me throughout labor/delivery?

  - Can my husband stay with me?

  Etc Etc....

  11/27/12
  First Child born
  
  5/5/14 and 6/5/14
  

  Twins born into Heaven 
  

  BFP - 4/6/14, due date 12/8/14. First twin M/C at home - 5/5/14, Second twin D&C - 6/5/14
  
  11/14
  Chemical Pregnancy
  
  9/5/15
  Second after severe bleeding for 18 weeks due to subchorionic hematoma
  
  

  Currently
  Expecting Number 3 due 10/31/2020

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