I just brought up the topic of natural birth with my OB and realized that it was a mistake to wait until 34 weeks to do so. (At this late point the birth center in my town has been booked up for months.) While the doctor paid lip-service to the idea of keeping it low-intervention, she is clearly very skeptical that it will all pan out. (Saying things like "Well it's your first time so you won't know what it's like until you get there"). I know that this is a red flag when feeling out your OB's stance on natural birth, but without the birth center for an option, I am reluctant to start shopping around for a new doc from scratch.
One of the topics I brought up is whether I would be allowed to birth without IV fluids. I am totally fine with a hep-lock/catheter in place and told her so. She said that yes, the catheter itself is mandatory, and that I would really want fluids because I am going to get dehydrated after laboring with no food or water (hospital policy). "So, if the labor goes longer than 3-4 hours, yeah, you're going to have to get fluids". I am planning on laboring as long as possible at home, but I see it as highly likely that the hospital portion of my labor will exceed her time limit.
Has anyone faced this kind of thing before? Did anybody just break hospital rules and drink or eat as they felt compelled? Would the IV be a deal breaker for anyone?
Re: Food and water for a hospital birth
My hospital strongly suggested a heplock, but also told me that it wasn't required. Have you done a hospital tour? I asked most of those questions during the tour. I didn't even bother asking my OB. My hospital's policy was that women in labor shouldn't eat or drink. I didn't eat when I was there, but I did have some popsicles. I brought my own snacks with me and I could've easily eaten them when the nurses weren't in the room, but I never did.
I did, however, openly drink water in front of them. No one said anything. At first I was a bit sneaky about it because I would ask my husband to fill up a large cup with ice. It melted fairly quickly, so I would just act like I was eating the ice but it was really water. Towards the end I didn't care and I was drinking straight from his water bottle.
LO then (2 days) and now (1 year)
I like pp idea about calling the birth center to see what they recommend as far as a different provider. It is NOT too late to switch! If you choose not to switch I would look into hiring a doula, she will be able to help to labor at home as long as possible, which will be very important if you deliver at this hospital.
But please, please remember you get the final say on everything! Provided you are conscious you must consent to all medical procedures which includes IVs! Don't let them play the 'hospital policy' game, wrong, it's your body your choice. So for her to say a saline lock is mandatory is false information, they can not turn you away from the hospital nor can they force that on you.
My Ovulation Chart
It doesn't sound like your OB is very NB friendly at all. If at all possible I would consider switching to a different OB. You do still have time. Ask around and see if you can find some recommendations from either friends, other midwifes or doulas. I would also think about hiring a doula.
You may decide to stay with her. I stayed with my first OB for several reasons. One being that all the Ob’s are on call at the hospital and most likely she was not going to be on call that day anyway. If you do stay, be prepared to receive some resistance when declining the IV or any other other standard "hospital policies". Just because it is a hospital policy does not mean you have to agree to it. You as patient have the right to informed consent.
My first hospital had a no eating or drinking policy, and I ignored it for DD1's birth. I drank lots of water and had a few honey sticks. The nurse saw me and never said a thing. When I was in the early stages of labor and still at home, I ate a little bit of cheese, crackers and yogurt. By the time I hit transition though, food sounded horrible as I felt very nauseated.
Thanks for the great feedback everyone!
Natalie, that's a great idea about getting recommendations from the birth center for OB's. I'll definitely check it out.
And MargaritaChikita, I appreciate the perspective that my birth experience means so much more to me than it does to her. I really do like my OB and have, up until the last visit, felt very comfortable with her skills. But I shouldn't feel obligated to stay with her if she isn't going to be onboard.
My next appointment is in a week. In the meantime, I'll try to pick their brains at the birthing center and also put down a birth plan in writing to get some direct answers from the current OB.
Thanks for the support, ladies!
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I can't believe so many hospitals still have a no eat/drink policy. The hospital where I delivered my 2 boys encouraged me to drink water. I had no desire to eat, but my labors were pretty short.
I'm delivering at a birth center inside a different hospital this time (as long as I continue low risk), and they actually encourage you to eat and drink as needed.
I agree about talking to the hospital directly about these things. I never even brought it up to my OB, I asked at the hospital tour.
son#1 born 6/2010
son#2 born 4/2012
son#3 born 7/2014