Hi...
I am a FTM, just writing up my birth plan and I have a little list of things I DO NOT want to happen during my labor...I have to read about this more tomorrow, but it's late and I'm tired and don't feel like using my own brain lol, so thought I'd ask or opinions...
I don't think I want any artificial rupturing of membranes, or stripping or anything...I feel like it is better if it happens naturally, and it seems like Dr.'s do it to "hurry things up" more than because it's ACTUALLY medically necessary for the safety/health of baby & myself.... opinions? clarification?
I have a whole list of things I don't want actually...
Re: Membrane stripping or artificial ROM
Any type of labour augmentation (Unless baby or myself are in danger)
If you or your baby are in danger they wont be augmenting your labor (giving pitocin) because that would just cause more problems. Augmentation is done when they feel like you are progressing too slowly.
Rupturing of membranes isnt something done in an emergency situation, like I said before, its done to speed up labor. Stalled labor is not an emergency. It can actually cause more problems (like cord prolapse, look it up) if done too early.
If your waters arent broken, you can just come home and go back to the hospital when you;re in more active labor. If your water is broken, you're stuck there and they're going to give you pitocin and probably a c/s 5 hours later because you're not progressing fast enough
Mebrane stripping is different from AROM - if you are overdue and facing induction, it can jump start labor (worked for me) - if you aren't "ready" to go into labor, it's not going to do anything so it's best avoided. AROM I would definitely avoid for the reasons mentioned above.
Pit after delivery...you might want to say unless necessary. Some hospitals are making it routine. But if you have bleeding that seems even a bit more than normal, a dose of pit can prevent hemorrhage with no notable side effects - I had pit after both med free births (in my second birth my midwife was concerned enough about my bleeding that she wouldn't let me eat until she was comfortable that it was slowing) - I'd rather have that preventative dose than risk hemorrhage. Of course it's not always needed but it's a very different thing after birth than during labor.
Breastfeeding Counselor with Breastfeeding USA
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