Do I have to ?

VinaHoney · November 2012

My friend just had her baby last week and she said that the first thing they did was stick IV's into her. She said they didn't even ask.

I understand that she wasn't interested in a natural birth but now I'm unsure of what is a natural birth considering they just do things because it's "procedure".

Are they going to stick me with IV because it's "procedure" among other things?

Or can someone explain how it works for those who want a natural birth.

(If it's any consolation I do have thebump birth plan printed and filled out; will they actually try to follow my birth plan?)

stahlop · November 2012

It really depends on what your care provider is comfortable with. You should check and see if they do a heplock. That's basically the port so if you need an IV for any reason they already have some place to stick it in. Although, you can refuse all together, just make sure to note it in any paper work you sign (you can cross out and change all that stuff before you sign it).

dosafyre · November 2012

Mostly...you'll just want to research, research, research...so you can be well informed about what you want and why. imo...the bump birth plan is kind of out-dated (no one does enema or shaving anymore), is way too long, and doesn't touch on things that you might care about (like delaying Hep B vaccines, etc). By my second birth, I had it down to 8 bullet points).

For a hospital birth, having at least a hep-lock placed is pretty normal. It makes the nurses feel better that they can get you meds immediately if needed. That said, with my first I had one only placed very late when I needed blood anyways for cord donation (and for fluids and pitocin)...and with my second my labor was so fast that the nurse gave me the option, and when I said "no", she didn't give me a hard time.

I found both times that the nurses and OBs were very respectful of my birthplan and tried their best to help me achieve what I wanted...so it was totally worth it, imo.

jinnymb · November 2012

dosafyre:

Mostly...you'll just want to research, research, research...so you can be well informed about what you want and why. imo...the bump birth plan is kind of out-dated (no one does enema or shaving anymore), is way too long, and doesn't touch on things that you might care about (like delaying Hep B vaccines, etc). By my second birth, I had it down to 8 bullet points).

For a hospital birth, having at least a hep-lock placed is pretty normal. It makes the nurses feel better that they can get you meds immediately if needed. That said, with my first I had one only placed very late when I needed blood anyways for cord donation (and for fluids and pitocin)...and with my second my labor was so fast that the nurse gave me the option, and when I said "no", she didn't give me a hard time.

I found both times that the nurses and OBs were very respectful of my birthplan and tried their best to help me achieve what I wanted...so it was totally worth it, imo.

This. You can certainly deny any iv's. I would make sure your OB/midwife is on board because it is pretty common. FWIW I had a hep-lock with DS2 and delivered med-free with no problems.

runrinserepeat · November 2012

I spoke to my OB beforehand about it. She wanted me to be open to a hep lock, but that was all. When I got to the hospital, we just told the nurse I wanted a natural birth and didn't want the IV. They pushed it once, when they offered me zofran, but that was it.

AmyRI · November 2012

Ask your OB and your hospital what their standard procedures are.

In my case, both want a hep lock. I did not have an IV of anything attached until after I delivered, at which point they gave me pitocin to prevent hemorrhage. I was fine with that compromise. However, an IV of fluids is required if you get an epidural and that is non-negotiable.

nosoup4u · November 2012

VinaHoney:
My friend just had her baby last week and she said that the first thing they did was stick IV's into her. She said they didn't even ask.
I understand that she wasn't interested in a natural birth but now I'm unsure of what is a natural birth considering they just do things because it's "procedure".

Did she have an epidural? If so, then an IV is required. If not, then that's a crappy hospital...

Like everyone else said, talk to you provider frankly about what they expect during labor and what you want.

This is a good post to read, too: https://rixarixa.blogspot.com/2010/12/dont-ask-just-do.html

footnotegirl · November 2012

I wanted a natural birth, but ended up having to be induced. I was told that I had to be on IV while using any medication, so: I was on IV while on cytotec/cervidil. Then they took me OFF the IV when they broke my water. Then I had to go back ON the IV when they started me the next day with Pitocin.

I can understand that, especially since I have had reactions to unusual medications before, having the ability to get epinephrine into my system quickly would be important. i was very happy that they were willing to take me off the IV when I was not on any medication and laboring normally.

BTW, even though I was induced, I did still deliver pain med free. No epidural, no fentanyl, etc. etc. So, still at least a semi natural birth.

MJM3108 · November 2012

stahlop:
It really depends on what your care provider is comfortable with. You should check and see if they do a heplock. That's basically the port so if you need an IV for any reason they already have some place to stick it in. Although, you can refuse all together, just make sure to note it in any paper work you sign (you can cross out and change all that stuff before you sign it).

Totally this! When I first mentioned my desire to not have an IV during labor, my OB immediately suggested just doing a heplock, which I am fine with. That way, God forbid they should need to hook me up to an IV, it can be done quickly.

Also, I used the Bump's birth plan as more of an outline. It gave me a good baseline of what I want/ don't want. Building from that, I am typing up a more formal (but concise) birth plan for my chart at my OB's office, and will be bringing 3 (maybe more) copies to L&D with me.

Hyaline · November 2012

nosoup4u:
VinaHoney:
My friend just had her baby last week and she said that the first thing they did was stick IV's into her. She said they didn't even ask.
I understand that she wasn't interested in a natural birth but now I'm unsure of what is a natural birth considering they just do things because it's "procedure".
Did she have an epidural? If so, then an IV is required. If not, then that's a crappy hospital...
Like everyone else said, talk to you provider frankly about what they expect during labor and what you want.
This is a good post to read, too: https://rixarixa.blogspot.com/2010/12/dont-ask-just-do.html

I was going to ask the same thing. When you get the epidural, you kind of sign on for a lot of "automatic intervention."

Talk to your doc about your situation--if you want med-free, there is no reason to need IVs automatically.

thetwistedwillow · November 2012

Most hospitals have these procedures in place for a reason - to save face if something goes wrong. It is hard to find a vein if something goes wrong but the chances of something going wrong in a natural birth where momma is free to move around and do what she needs to do is so minimal that an IV is RARELY even necessary.

Having a natural birth in a hospital isn't impossible but there are a lot more obstacles due to protocol and procedure. You have to understand that you have RIGHTS and have the right of refusal. Each hospital is different.

The Unnecessarean (on FB, also has a website) has rates for hospitals. You might find yours on their site or ask them to research yours.

The ultimate answer to "Do I have to?" is NO. But will it be easy to say no? Will they give you a hard time? It depends on who is there for your birth at the hospital.

bekkabrat · November 2012

I had a successful natural birth in a military hospital with no IV even though my midwife said that it was hospital policy. She said that as long as I kept hydrated on my own (ice, water, and juice that we brought with us) that she wouldn't require it.

The nurses never said a word to me. I think it really comes down to your provider and the nurses (hopefully) will respect what your provide decides.

I also waited to check-in to the hospital until I was 6+ cm. I'm not sure if that makes a difference, but seems like maybe checking in later to the hospital may help show your provider that you are laboring fine naturally and are less likely to need fluids/interventions.

VinaHoney · November 2012

Thank you ladies. I'll ask my OB at my next appointment. I already expressed to her that I wanted a natural birth so I'm sure she's been waiting for these kinds of questions from me.

ForeverEverAfter · November 2012

It is your right to refuse any intervention, but checking with your OB first is a good plan. If I'm GBS positive, then I'll agree to a heplock, but if I'm negative I plan to refuse it. I've worked with most of the nurses on the floor I'll be delivering on, so I'm comfortable standing my ground. I'm sensitive to the tegaderm (clear plastic bandage) they put over them and I found that the heplock drove me crazy the night I spent in ER, couldn't sleep at all. I'm also easy to get an IV in, so if it does become required because of necessary interventions they can stick one in then. It doesn't take long.

Want a personalized experience?

Do I have to ?

Re: Do I have to ?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards