Help! Induced @ Hospital and Feeling Pressured to Get an Epidural

Please be careful with your protein levels and blood pressure. Pre-eclamsia can turn very dangerous, very fast. And as much as I applaud you for sticking to what you want, if you truly are interested in the health of this baby, be very aware of the complications that can arise from high blood pressure and high protein levels.

I had an emergency c-section with my second child because of the HELLP Syndrome. This is a severe form of Pre-eclamsia. I almost died.

Despite the nurse sounding overworked, be aware of how high your blood pressure is and what your protein levels are. Unfortunately, none of the interventions the doctors provided were unnecessary for me; they were life saving.

My third child's pregnancy I was put on modified bedrest and I monitor my blood pressure and protein levels from home. At 38 weeks, I had a scheduled c-section due to my uterus being attached to my bladder.

My children are 10, 7 and 15 months. All are very healthy and the first two are above grade level in school. I don't think the epidural or pitocen (with the first) caused him any harm and in the end, I ended up having an emergency c-section with the first after 31 hours of labor.

The important thing is to stay calm to keep your blood pressure down. I believe that if you know what your end goal is, a healthy baby, you will be fine.

Good luck and congratulations!

The most important thing about giving birth is that you and your baby both come out of it alive.

When there is any question about either, much less both, nurses WILL run roughshod over you.

The best way to combat their trying to save your life and your baby's life (aka not seeing you as a person but as 2 lives to be saved, with your help or without it) is the following phrase:

"I know you're trying to keep me safe... I'm freaked out and frustrated ... can you help?"

Most healthcare profs are in the business to HELP people. They're natural problem solvers. Asking for their help is like asking a child if they want candy.

I think you need to report that night nurse to her superior. Make sure your experience with her doesn't happen to someone else. Congrats on your new baby girl!

Here's my best guess:

You're 36 weeks (a little early) and it's quite possible that since you're early, if something goes wrong with the baby not being full-term, if you have the epidural in place then you are ready to go into a c-section if necessary. I'm not saying that's going to happen but if you have to have a c-section (because the health of your baby requires it) you're already 'tapped in' and that's not time they have to waste (if it is an emergency).

Are you aware of what can happen if your blood pressure is too high at this stage? You can have seizures due to the (potential) preeclampsia. The seizures can be very risky and painful for you and your child. High protein in the urine along the fluctuating/high blood pressure are both signs of this dangerous condition. The magnesium they are wanting to give you is to AVOID any seizures you could possibly have because of your risky indicators. So sure, you can refuse it...but apparently the doctors and nurses feel it is necessary given your condition.

Honestly, it does sound like the nurse has your best interests at heart. I doubt they are power tripping, but more likely looking out for your health and the health of the baby, and being preeclamptic is not something you want to mess around with. I mean, come on, they're inducing you pre-term. If your condition wasn't as serious you'd be at home resting and waiting until 37 weeks.

Be flexible and open-minded and remember that ultimately you want the best and healthiest outcome for you and your baby. That might mean following a different plan than what you had intended - and its okay because you'll be happy you wind up with a healthy baby and a healthy mama.

And at worst...the delivery will be over soon so just hang in there and work with your team (no matter how much you hate them) to make the outcome a success.

It sounds like they are doing this because they are worried about you having preeclampsia. That is a very dangerous condition and sometimes during labor your blood pressure can spike and they have to do an emergency C-section. This is not a "normal" condition. That may be one reason they would like you to consider an epidural. That would make it easier on them and you if you do end up having an emergency CS, cause you're already numb. It may also help control your blood pressure. But it could also slow down your labor. It is Your choice. But you need to be educated.

Also, just fyi, almost none of the drugs from the epidural will get in your baby's system and effect him/her. It will be ok.

It is frustrating when nurses are not nice. But don't worry, they will change shifts and you'll get a new one.

You will get through this. It is a whirlwind and intense situation right now. But I believe your health care providers are doing what they feel best. It sounds like there is a communication gap. Maybe if you say, "I'm sorry, I don't understand this . . ." and then ask questions it would help.

Best of luck!

Don't worry, my first 2 kids were induced for various reasons and they are healthy as horses. All births are natural births, regardless of whether you have an epidural or not. You are right to question and verify everything. Perhaps you can stop focusing on the negatives and start being in the momet for this very important milestone in your life. You don't mention your husband - ask him to step in and take some of the heat. Good luck.

I had a scheduled C-Section, and one thing I learned was to have a plan and expect changes. Definately ask for a different nurse if this one is rude about you asking questions. Nurses are supposed to be supportive and friendly. Just make sure you do whats best for you and your baby. Don't feel pressured about the epidural. However it could help you relax your body... its supposed to help with less stress on the baby- just some info that I learned. Your mommy instinct is kicking in and you are doing what you think is best. Dont stop asking questions!!!! Who cares if it agrivates her? You are probably not going to ever see her again after this. Good luck and CONGRATS!!!

I had preclampsia and had to be induced. I also had low platlets so could not have an epidural even if I wanted one so I don't see why you would be pressured to have one or need one.
Also, I was on magnesium with first pregnancy. I declined it the 2nd pregnancy during delivery but still ended up going on it after because my blood pressure went up so high. I did not have to sign anything and I did not have any insurance issues. Just know that if you do take the magnesium, it is for your own benefit, it may be tough to get through, but it is for your safety really.
I would ask for a different nurse or try to stick it out till next nurse in the morning. Mine always changed at 7am. I think having a good nurse can make or break your experience so if you feel you need to, I would ask for different one.
I wish you the best. Soon enough you will have a beautiful new baby, and it will all be worth it!

Good Mommy to be. Question them and be your most powerful advocate. They have to save their butts so they do do a lot of things that really could be avoided if only someone hadn't have something go wrong in the past. Magnesium is good for the body but it slows things down. Not sure why they would want to do this unless they are doing it for you to have a bowel movement.

When I was having my first, they wanted me to stay in bed but that only keeps you under control. Getting up and walking, moving around, gets gravity and other things moving. So I made the excuse that I had to keep going to the bathroom.

What you should be most aware of is to NOT let your baby get the Hep B shot for something that drug users and sexually transmitted diseases cause UNLESS you are Hep B positive. If you are given antibiotics and your baby gets the Hep B shot, he /she is now set up for jaundice and an immune system that is not working correctly, which could lead to other problems down the immediate and not so immediate road. They will still inject him/her even if you say not too. Once again, because they feel you don't know what you are doing and they know best.

You need to chill, breathe, take control of you. You want to be in the best frame of mind to enjoy the most amazing thing. Your baby will be here soon enough and you'll be able to hold and cherish that precious and amazing gift. Now get up and go to the bathroom, wink wink.

Please make sure YOU have done the research on vaccinations for YOUR child. The AAP and CDC recommended schedule of shots for children is too many, too soon. Here are sites and books that I always recommend for people to start their research:

www.909shot.com
www.tacanow.org
www.generationrescue.com

The Vaccine Book, by Dr. Robert Sears
Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders, by Dr. Kenneth Bock

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Childhood Vaccinations, by Dr. Stephanie Cave

Evidence of Harm, by David Kirby

Looks like it is waaaay too late to worry about unnecessary interventions. Just walking into a hospital pregnant and not even necessarily close to labor pretty much guarantees some sort of unneeded intervention.

I wish you, your baby and your psyche as much luck and good vibes as I can. OBs and Hospitals should be barred from treating normal and low risk pregnancies.

Good luck recovering from the cesarean - your chances are high that you'll get one at this point - - and make sure you don't feel embarrassed about asking for help around the house once you get home and demand an IBCLC for breastfeeding help the FIRST HOUR your baby is born.

If you dont feel like the nurse has your best interest then ask if someone else is on duty to assist you. Dont do anything that you dont want to. Its your body, so dont feel pressured.
Asking questions is good, so dont feel like you shouldnt be asking.
Epidurals are safe, and are great if you choose to have it. I had one with my son, because my pressure was way to high and it was causing problems, but my son came out healthy and happy.

Do what you feel is best, and stand firm. Its your body dont feel pressured into doing things you dont feel is best for you. Be your own advocate, no one else will.

Good luck and congrats on your soon to be beautiful baby!

.

Don't know when you wrote this post so you've probably delivered by now, but as you probably now know, your baby will be fine, no need to be scared.

First off, I wish I could be there with you right now as your doula! You sound like you're the only one sticking up for your rights as a patient, and that stress can lead to more pain. Get a different nurse, pronto. One without an attitude if possible. While nurses are human and they do react when acted upon, she is an ob nurse and should have a bit of compassion for the women in her care. If you have already had your baby, do the future patients a favor and report her. And don't forget to report your entire experience on thebirthsurvey.com.
I hope you are able to get through this with as few interventions as possible. Your insurance will still pay for the birth if you decline everything. However since your protein levels are high, they are protecting you and your baby by inducing and giving magnesium. With the cervadil, just relax. Take a snooze. It needs to stay in place to do its job, which is cervical ripening. At least they aren't trying to do cytotec on you.
Once the pitocin gets going you may have a harder time through contractions (than if they were naturally occuring) but its doable. Relax, take your mind ewlsewhere, and stay in the moment. Don't think about how long it could take or how long its been, the mind games can be defeating.
If you're still going today and need assistance give me a calnumbeecan find my number on www.yourlovingbirth.com or email me at ____@____.com
best of luck to you. Make it happen on your terms as much as is reasonable. You'll have your baby in your arms in no time.

It's unfortunate that she's giving you a hard time, especially since this is your first delivery! Just keep asking questions, you've never been through this before and she should explain what she's doing and why, don't feel bad for asking! Is anyone there for you that could be your advocate? Maybe they could ask to speak to someone and possibly get you a new nurse!
You certainly don't HAVE to get an epidural unless of course you needed a c-section. Until then, just let them know you're not interested and don't want to be hassled! Stay positive, it will help with the delivery tremendously :) Good luck!

I had the same exact problem with my baby -- high protein in my urine, high blood pressure, induced a month early. Ended up with an epidural and a C-section -- exactly what I didn't want when putting down my birth plan. But, nearly 11 months later, my baby is happy, healthy and a complete joy. He did have to spend 2 weeks in the NICU, but it actually gave me time to recover from the C-section and let us get ready for his homecoming (we hadn't gotten anything for the baby because we hadn't had a baby shower yet). I know you're having a hard time, mostly because of the nurses, and I hope that the next round of nurses will be more caring, but remember that a healthy baby is the goal!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I wish I had seen this sooner because I had the same things happen with my first (induced because of preeclampsia) and went on to have an unmedicated vaginal delivery. BUT, I had a wonderful nurse and midwife who talked me through ever contraction and never mentioned an epidural. You are amazing that you made it through being induced and having a natural delivery in such an unsuppportive environment. I just had my second (no preeclampsia this time and not induction), but I had a terrible doctor who kept pushing C-section??? And an inexperienced nurse--luckily my labor was fast--but if I hadn't had the first experience there's no way I would have made it without an epidural. The fact you did this is even more amazing considering it was your first! You should be so proud of yourself!!! Based on my experience be prepared for "naughty nurse" to come in and continue to harass you for not getting the epidural or for "putting your baby at risk." That's what happened to me after my second one when I refused a C-section and it was pretty upsetting because I was a so overwhelmed with emotion and feeling so happy with the outcome as I held my beautiful boy and it really took the wind out of my sails. Again, congratulations!

Don't know the magnesium & insurance not paying you'll have to call on that one but it's Sat. you'll deliver before then.You should of been told that you tested negative at some point after the results were in for Group B strep.Is there a reson they won't let you walk around??Ask that they give you one.I'm sorry your plans have changed I hope that you deliver vaginally & not by csection for your first baby.I can't imagine being in a hospital with uncaring grouchy nurses.But they are looking out for you and baby being induced they do alot more interventions than a regular delivery thye just do if one thing doesn't work they go on to the next till baby is unable to handle it or no changes to mom then a csection..Hang in there I hope your baby comes soon so for you can go home

I'm sure by now you've had your baby. I'm so sorry I didn't see this sooner, but I was at a long birth myself and am just catching up on emails. If I had seen it, I would have recommended a doula to be with you!

I hope you were able to follow through with your plans, but I know how hard that is to do without great support. I've had many clients induced with cervidil who were able to have unmedicated births, but it takes a lot of negotiation, which laboring women are rarely able to do on their own.

Good for you for questioning the unnecessary antibiotics! You were right -- the nurses DON'T have your best interests at heart -- they have the best interest of their job, which means the hospital, at heart! She works for the hospital -- a doula works for YOU!

Yes, you can't get out of bed for the first 2 hours on cervidil, but you can be in different positions in the bed and still be following orders.

I hope when you have your next baby, you will have a doula by your side :)

Congratulations on your birth, no matter how it came about :)

I had the same experiance with the night nurses! Different hospital, but there you are. I decided that they put the loser nurses on at night, as punsihment, and that is why they are so horrid.
I hope you got/get through it... Talk to a theripist if you find you can't get over the birth. I am having a hard time letting go of how horrid the nurse was, and my mom wrote a long letter of complaint on the nurse, but I am sure nothing was done to her.
Good luck with your new baby!
R.

An epidural is about you, not so much the baby. Also, if you aren't able to handle the pain and get very worked up, your baby will get agitated also. I had an epidural while I was being induced, and my baby and I were fine. Once they start you on the drip, the contractions are out of this world.

Stand your ground, but remember, they should be just interested in your baby arriving safely. And that is all that matters. Epidurals definitely have their place in the 'giving birth' world, and if you don't need it, don't take it!

Make sure you always know what they are giving you and why. They should be explaining everything to you!!! It's your baby/body/birth!!

Good luck and hope it all goes well!

Can I just say that I think you should report the nurse you had? I've had several hospital births and my nurses were always wonderful. Giving birth is scary enough without a nasty nurse making things harder.

I wish you the best of luck and a safe, quick and pleasant delivery.

I was induced with my son, but the cervical softener did the trick for me. I had my son naturally 4 hours later - before any pitocin or anything else.

Hospitals are nightmares. Get your baby out any way you can and get home as soon as possible to start healing from the hurt, pain, and humiliation the hospital experience will cause you. I'm proud of you for knowing to fight a little. No, the nurses won't like you, but even more than fighting for yourself -- fight for your child. They are going to try to prod, stick, poke, vaccinate, gel-burn its eyes and separate the two of you, especially because it's premature. Tell them no, sign whatever forms you must, and don't be intimidated by them. Welcome to motherhood (these are the chapters no one writes about and there is more to come). Do your best to reach out once he or she is here and let the Mamas help guide you through. Best of luck in your delivery.

First off, take a breath! Delivery is scary stuff the first time around. If they are inducing you at 36 weeks, take that VERY seriously! They are taking your health very seriously so YOU can deliver your child. Pre-eclampsia can turn very bad, very quickly where you could have a c-section. It is great to go in the hospital with a plan however that plan NEEDS to be flexible. You don't want an epidural right now, fine, but don't rule it out entirely because you may change your mind. There is no medal for having to endure the pain of childbirth, if you decide to have an epidural(or any pain meds for that matter) it is OK and your baby will be just fine(all vaginal births are natural births!!). If you have a husband/boyfriend/friend there with you, ask them to be an advocate for you and express your wishes.
Pitocin is wicked. My second child was induced and when the drip kicked it, holy cow it went fast and strong(although with my first child I had back labor so it was a bit different).
Remember these people deliver babies for a living so take a deep breath for you followed by a deep breath for your baby! Everything will be ok! Good luck

try to relax and let go of preconceived notions about what the experience was SUPPOSED to be like.

being induced without an epidural will be really difficult, but that doesn't mean that you can't do it if you don't want to - just think about your motivation. Are you worried about side effects? Do you feel like it's important to feel the pain to have the experience?

Remember: the goal is a healthy baby, not following a script.

Good luck!

Don't take anything you don't have to have if you don't want it, but do not feel that you can't ask for it if you find you do want it. I was induced with both of my boys (water broke and I did not go into labor) and had the pitocin eventually. I really wanted to go without an epidural but I went into labor pretty fast (started pushing after 5 hours of labor the first time, after about 2 1/2 or 3 the second) and finally opted for the epidural with my first and planned it with my second. They were both fine and healthy (my second was 3 weeks early), alert, nursed immediately, etc. Good luck and try to relax. I hope you have someone with you who can intercede for you if you need it, even if it is just one nurse on duty. Try to relax and look forward to holding your little one!!!

I don't know you, but I just wanted to tell you how PROUD I am of you!!! And congratulations!! You did an amazing job despite that nurse that truly needs to be reprimanded.

I gave birth after a pain med free, pitocin driven labor. It was not the fabulous experience that my previous all natural birth was because pitocin doen't release the same love hormones that oxytocin does. That being said, it's entirely possible to do. Just harder than all natural. I realize you're probably beyond the decision making time now (I hope so, for your sake, lol), and just wanted to offer my sincere hope that however your birth happened you are happily holding your baby.

You have all the right to question everything they do! Put that nurse in her place and ask for another one. This is a once in a life time experience for you and you deserve the best care. Don't let a grouchy nurse, ruin it for you (although they deliver babies all the time). Ask to speak to someone who cares ASAP! Threaten them with a law suit and they'll back off. Sorry to advise this but I'm so PO'd right now from reading what they are doing to you. This is not the time to be polite when they are being such jerks. Get your doctor to call or come and speak to them. I don't think his orders should be "trumpped" wth! Awww honey, I am so sorry you are going through this. I am truly upset and ranting! As far as the epidural, it is your choice! I didn't want one either but the pain was too severe towards the end. I endured 16 hours without it, but the pain was too much to handle. The most important thing is that you are calm. It is hard to be calm when the nurse stresses you out, and you don't know wether to trust what's she is doing or not (giving you meds you don't need). Giving birth is a unique experience to each one of us moms, and you should be surrounded by people that care about the baby and you. Good luck, blessings, and HUGS!!!

Glad to hear of such a good outcome! When I saw your question I was excited to see that someone's experience was so close to my own. I wanted an all natural delivery and prided myself on not taking any meds my whole pregnancy...heartburn and all. It saddens me that you had terrible nurses though. I was also induced at 37 weeks because they said my baby boy wasn't growing on the curve so they thought something may be wrong with the cord or the placenta. I did not want an epidural either except by the time I reached an 8 I was begging for one. LOL...I got a local anesthetic....which helped but I could feel every push. Luckily I only pushed for about 15 minutes! Good for you for doing without one.

An epidural will not hurt your baby. It numbs you and makes delivery enjoyable. You have so much on your plate with this nasty nurse please don't worry about the epidural. Legally, you can request a new nurse. You can also call the operator of the hospital and request to speak to the Director of Nursing. There is always one at the hospital no matter what the hour. Believe me, if you say it's an emergency and need to speak to her right away she will show up to your room and the nurses will change their tune. Also, trust your instincts and have your doctor called whenever you are not getting the information that you are entitled to. Good luck with your beautiful baby!!!

You are awesome! Congratulations! I think it is totally fine for people to get an epi, but if you didn't want one, you should have the right not to get one. That's great that you were able to stand up for yourself :)

I'm so sorry the nurses are being that way! It should be ALL about you and your precious baby right now, NO MATTER WHAT. You are already being a great mom questioning everything, and it is just the beginning. You just do whatever you need to do to keep yourself and your precious little one healthy and ask EVERYTHING and anything you want. Hopefully you have the daddy or a coach or loved one there with you to be your advocate. It is a scary and wonderful time and don't feel pressured to do anything. Don't worry if your nurse is having a bad day. You need to focus on yourself. You should be having a shift change sometime soon and will hopefully end up with some wonderful nurses taking care of you. GOOD LUCK MOM and what a wonderful thing to be thankful for on this holiday weekend!!

Keep us posted! ( when you have time:))

Congrats on your baby and on having all your goals met for the birth despite your terribly disrespectful care. Having to defend your wishes and decisions throughout the birth must have been really upsetting.
I want to add one thing, and that is that for the sake of others like you delivering at this hospital, I think you should write a letter detailing the sub-par treatment that you received (and also highlighting the care providers that were bright spots for you). Perhaps you can have this mean-spirited nurse reprimanded and more closely watched.

My mother was induced and didnt have an epidural, dont worry too much, nurse change comes soon! Good luck and many blessings!

I am so sorry your going through this.

Can you ask your doctor to stay with you? There doesn't seem to be any reason you need to take the nurse's word for things, esp if you don't feel you can trust her.

If your doctor isn't available, I'd ask for a nurse supervisor. You have every right to understand what your insurance will and will not cover, before you accept or refuse treatment. They should make every effort to acommodate your request for a "natural" delivery. You doctor should be there with you and see to it that your needs are met!

If possible, have your husband, mother, friend or whomever get involved on your behalf. You DO NOT have to deal with a nurse who isn't discussing your options with you and explaining what she's going and why she's doing it.

You have common sense and an understanding of mutual respect between a patient and nurse in a hospital setting.

If you feel you were verbally, emotionally or physically abused or denied your rights while a patient in the hospital, to please continue reading.

In my opinion (you) as a patient in the labor room/department were bullied, ignored, dismissed and insulted. Your intelligence was questioned and you were spoken to in a sarcastic manner when you stated desired plan for labor and birthing.

You simply asked your nurse 2 questions regarding medications. Ideally, a nurse will always explain (except in cases of emergency) why a medication was ordered. You are entitled to know the medications intended results and the planned positive benefits and the possible negative side effects for you and your baby.

It appears the nurse was offended or annoyed when asked reasonable questions. Initially, the nurse ridiculed you when you stated that "you were planning labor and delivery without medication.

Regarding the question about Magnesium, the nurse chose to reply with the threat of "excessive medical charges that would be your personal financial responsibility. This practically borders on extortion!

It would have been in the best interest of both parties if your nurse would have simply answered your question. In addition the nurse could easily have called your Doctor to verify the Magnesium order and to inquire about mobility and ambulation orders while in labor.

Your question regarding the need for an antibiotic was fair and reasonable, it was logical to expect the nurse to call your Physician and inform the Doctor of your strep test results and verify if the orders should continue as written or to discontinue the antibiotic.

I suggest you search the internet, seek the Hospitals home page and search for the e-mail addresses for the Hospitals Patient Advocate, Ombudsmen, Director of Nursing, the Chief of Obstetrics and the President/Chairman of the Hospital. Send an e-mail detailing your hospital experience to any or all of the above listed department heads.

The e-mail you sent to Mamapedia was fine, send it to anyone you wish to inform about your labor and delivery experience with the nurse in question.

Sincerely,

A.

Updated

You have common sense and an understanding of mutual respect between a patient and nurse in a hospital setting.

If you feel you were verbally, emotionally or physically abused or denied your rights while a patient in the hospital, to please continue reading.

In my opinion (you) as a patient in the labor room/department were bullied, ignored, dismissed and insulted. Your intelligence was questioned and you were spoken to in a sarcastic manner when you stated desired plan for labor and birthing.

You simply asked your nurse 2 questions regarding medications. Ideally, a nurse will always explain (except in cases of emergency) why a medication was ordered. You are entitled to know the medications intended results and the planned positive benefits and the possible negative side effects for you and your baby.

It appears the nurse was offended or annoyed when asked reasonable questions. Initially, the nurse ridiculed you when you stated that "you were planning labor and delivery without medication.

Regarding the question about Magnesium, the nurse chose to reply with the threat of "excessive medical charges that would be your personal financial responsibility. This practically borders on extortion!

It would have been in the best interest of both parties if your nurse would have simply answered your question. In addition the nurse could easily have called your Doctor to verify the Magnesium order and to inquire about mobility and ambulation orders while in labor.

Your question regarding the need for an antibiotic was fair and reasonable, it was logical to expect the nurse to call your Physician and inform the Doctor of your strep test results and verify if the orders should continue as written or to discontinue the antibiotic.

I suggest you search the internet, seek the Hospitals home page and search for the e-mail addresses for the Hospitals Patient Advocate, Ombudsmen, Director of Nursing, the Chief of Obstetrics and the President/Chairman of the Hospital. Send an e-mail detailing your hospital experience to any or all of the above listed department heads.

The e-mail you sent to Mamapedia was fine, send it to anyone you wish to inform about your labor and delivery experience with the nurse in question.

Sincerely,

A.

remember the most important thing is a healthy baby.. it doesnt matter if you have a csectin or an epidural.. you want a healthy baby.

I had epidurals with both kids and I highly recommend them.. Labor hurts like ...$%^&*.

If you dont want an epidural say no.. but you can always change your mind .. and if the pain gets bad.. get teh epidural. it will make everyone hapier..

I'm so sorry, Alice! Yes, quite often the staff gets testy about anything that isn't assembly-line type care. They're trying to care for dozens of patients, and individualizing that care, in some people's eyes, unnecessarily complicates things and leaves room for mistakes. Just remember, it's ALL WORTH IT to get the baby here! Once you're home, the hospital stay will fade into memory, and the baby will be with YOU. :) Congratulations on your child!

Congratulations! You are a smart mama who took on one of the hardest things for a first birth - standing up for yourself, questioning routine procedures, and sticking to your guns! I pray if there is a future pregnancy - your birth goes more smoothly. You sound like a great candidate for a home birth :)

make sure you keep an eye on your bleeding and clotting. I had retained placenta w/ my 1st and it led to nursing issues and was undiscovered until I birthed a grapefruit size "something" at 5 weeks postpartum. They could have let you sit for several hours and tried nursing the baby for natural contractions to let it come out naturally. Digging it out - is NOT cool at all :(

But you are a trooper and did a wonderful job!

Best of luck to you!

p.s. - check out thebirthsurvey.com
and please take the time to fill it out. Also, taking the time to provide feedback to the hospital about your good and negative experience is really important! - for others, as well as your own closure.

Your story is inspiring. Good for you! I'm sorry the night nurse was so terrible. I just don't know why they keep doing what they are doing for a living if they don't like it. There are many other areas of nursing that she can go into where people are actually sick and need to be hooked up to meds 24/7. Congrats on your healthy baby girl! I'm also sorry that your fiance was sleeping. It's important for him to get rest, but it's more important that he support you during labor.

I've never had pitocin but friends of mine who ever had "pit" needed an epidural. The induced contractions from pitocin is unlike contractions that come naturally ~at least that is what I'm told. I'm not a fan of drug interventions of any kind but in your case, if the contractions are unbearable, go with the epidural. So sorry you are having a bad time. Having a baby should not be a time of misery. Much luck to you.

You may have your baby by now...but, from my experience, pitocin w/o an epidural is HELL. I never wanted an epidural, ever. for all 3 of my births my body would not dialate to 10 cms w/o pitocin. after #3 the nurse told me I labor weird (duh!) The dr's that give the epidural vary greatly. I had 1 epidural that, literally, I felt like I was going insane. I could not move. With pitocin, the contractions are on top of each other, and there is no resting, no ability to relax. I couldn't handle it. maybe you can. But, it was impossible for me.

So happy for you! Congratulations and so glad you did your way and you baby is healthy.
C.

You are in charge of this birth. If you do not want one, just tell them no. If your husband is there have him back you up. If you feel like they are not listening to you call the Supervisor or call your doctor and tell them to let the staff know you do not want the epidural.. Hang in there!

Once you are admitted to the hospital you have very few "rights" that trump hospital protocol unfortunately. With you having a medical issue, you had no choice but to be admitted though. It must be so hard when you planned on being able to birth your first baby one way and it's taken a turn a completely different way. Remember, the end "prize" is truly what matters. I wish you could have the experience you desired. It took me until my 3rd baby before I can say I had the birthing experience I always wanted...and I work at the hospital and have for 17 years now! (7 years back then when I birthed my youngest son) With my first son, my water broke at 35 weeks, so I went straight to the hospital, with my second son, my water broke 3 days before my due date, so I felt like I needed to go in soon after that - with both I felt like the medical staff "managed" my entire birthing process. Finally, in my third pregnancy my water didn't break and I was able to go in very close to pushing time. Even then I had to be kind of a b#&* to get what I wanted, but my doula and husband (along with my birth plan) helped a lot. So hang in there girl! Once you get that baby in your arms, this struggle will all be worth it! Keep asking for things that you feel you should be able to have/do though and don't stop questioning the RN's. I had a similar experience where I am beta strep positive and needed the antibiotic, but when the RN came in and hung the antibiotic on my i.v. pole, she never said what she was giving me. I had my husband look and it was an antibiotic I am allergic to. Keep advocating for yourself!

Hi Alice :-)

I'm sorry to hear of your experience with your caregivers in the hospital. You still have 12 hours to change the outcome. Continue to take charge of your own health by asking questions. Don't worry about the negative responses you are getting, just continue to be your best advocate while you are hospitalized.

You have about 12 hours to change the outcome so I will join with you in prayer that you are able to have an uneventful normal vaginal delivery! I know you are scared and worried, but we need the next 12 hours to be focused on the health of your baby and the hopes of a smooth delivery.

If you still have access to a computer, you can visit my website to learn a quick technique you can use to help calm your bodymind. You have additional stressors now from the care you are getting plus this early delivery, so balancing your CORTICES can really help to send calming energy throughout your body so it can address the situation at hand. You will find this technique when you click on the tab about Dr. John Veltheim teaching CORTICES.

The first video is about what happens to our brains under stress, and the second one teaches you how to do the technique, which takes about 30 seconds to complete!

If you need any help, please contact me.. I hope to be up a bit longer even though I am in Miami, Florida. God bless you and your new baby and sending love and light for a happy healthy outcome!

hugs,
A. www.amyfreundbodytalk.com