Natural Birth
heltoncl
member
Looking for information (books/media/journals,etc) on what procedures are commonly done at hospitals
heltoncl
member
I have a very limited understanding, but I would like to explore and expand my knowledge on what sort of procedures are commonly done at hospitals when giving birth as well as what is given to baby. For example, I have heard of the eyedrops given to baby after they are born in case of STD's which don't particularly seem necessary in my perspective. Are there any other procedures that I should consider visiting and educating myself on their purpose and whether or not they are necessary? Or perhaps are there any educational materials you might recommend I check out? I do not mean in terms of medical intervention, but other procedures not often mentioned. Thank you!
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Re: Looking for information (books/media/journals,etc) on what procedures are commonly done at hospitals
PreBirth/Birth:
Sweeping membranes
Induction-pitocin/cytotec/cervidil
AROM-breaking water
Vaginal checks after water breaks
Continuous fetal monitoring
Heplock
Episiotomy/Forceps/vacuum
Confined to bed/pushing on back
No eating/drinking
Baby:
Immediate clamping of cord
Pitocin for delivery of placenta
Vit K
Erythromycin
Heel prick
Hearing test
Immediate "cleaning" of vernix
Immediate measuring/weighing/wrapping preventing skin-to-skin/bonding time
Taking baby to nursery for procedures vs. In room
I'm sure I'm leaving stuff out but I'm sure others can help fill in. These are not all standard procedures at ALL hospitals, they can all differ. And these are not all "bad" things just things to be educated about. Hope this helps a little.
Here's what I would add to the list:
- Putting you on a "time limit" either after your water breaks or after you arrive at the hospital
- Antibiotic eye ointment immediately after birth
- Giving the baby sugar water
- Giving the baby a pacifier
- Hepatitis shot for the baby after birth
Ina May Gaskin covers some of these items in her birth book, too.
B born 7/15/13, C born 3/2/15, #3 on the way May '17
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protocol and what you are required to have are definitely two different things. Many of the things that are protocol in the hospital I delivered at, I was easily able to opt out of. Granted, I wasn't asked before they did each thing whether I wanted it or not. I had done my research before hand and written out on a birth plan what I did and didn't want. This made it clear and easy for the nurses/doctor to know what my wishes were. So, if you do plan on wanting to opt out of certain things that are protocol at your hospital, I highly suggest typing it up. I recommend making your birth plan no longer than 1 page. No one is going to be willing to read a novel.
I honestly don't think a hospital can really force anything on you, regardless of state law. For example, it is state law that all children in my state get vaccinated to enter school. However, many don't and just get a specific waiver form signed. I'm sure the same stands for certain 'state mandated' procedures in a hospital for newborns.
I opted out of the IV (requested hep lock instead), eye goop, wanted delayed cord clamping, wanted my husband to cut the cord instead of the nurse (my hospital's protocol was for nurse to do it), did not want continuous fetal monitoring, did not want an episiotomy and wanted immediate skin-to-skin. Although many of these were against standard protocol, there was no problem getting what I requested. They were very respectful of my wishes.
As an OB nurse in a hospital I can tell you... We give each of our patients birth plan forms and they fill them out. We then review them with the patient to make sure we are able to meet all of their needs. There are refusal forms for items you do not want done.