Experience Declining Procedures *Update*

As some of you will remember I was upset because my hospital changed its policy about monitoring.  Instead of using a doppler every 15 minutes as I had with DD two years ago, they wanted to do an NST every two hours for 20 minutes.  

I talked to a different MW today and she was much more reassuring.  When I asked her for more information and could she just get me a form to sign right now declining it, she said, "These are all questions I want answers to as well" and patted her stomach (she's 32w pregnant).  She left and talked to another MW who has been there forever and she said that they changed the policy pretty soon after DD was born.  She said that it wasn't going to be a problem, after the NST in triage just tell them you will be declining all further NSTs unless there are signs of a problem.  She said I wouldn't have to sign anything, that they will just write 'declined' on my chart.  She also told me that because I am a patient of the MWs they are there to support me and will stand in the middle should anyone have a problem.  But went on to say that she doesn't think anyone will have a problem, because the policy changed so recently they are all still familiar with how it used to be.  She also went on to say that of course I can decline anything, that those are my rights as a patient.  

Anyway, it was just a much more positive, encouraging conversation.  It particularly made me feel like I was doing the right thing when she seemed to indicate that she wanted more information since it sounded like she was planning to do the same.  Of course plans can change and should the baby's heartbeat be less than reassuring I will stay on the monitors the whole time if that's what they deem necessary.  But nice to know that I am being heard and supported.  Thanks everyone for your encouragement!