Yep it happens here in the US.
So, what I suggest is that you write out a very specific birth plan. I refuse to be induced. If my doctor feels that the placenta may be degrading, then I insist on 3x weekly NSTs on the baby, to make sure that he/she is doing fine. If induction becomes "necessary", then I will go home and attempt natural induction methods like sex
, castor oil
, black and blue cohosh mixes, nipple stimulation (use a breast pump), etc.
Once I'm in labor, they are not allowed anything past a hep lock. I keep my pump on and deliver all of my own insulin. No one is allowed to add insulin to me. They may give me food and drinks as I wish. I give myself the corrections that I need.
Once the baby is born, they are not allowed to cut the cord until it stops pulsating. Once that is done, dad is allowed to cut it. (This gives the baby any extra sugar from my blood.) They are not allowed to take my baby from me at all. Newborn procedures are delayed until the baby has nursed twice. No artificial nipples or formula are allowed *AT ALL*. If the baby needs to be supplemented (because he/she is low), I bring along frozen colostrum that I've pumped out for two weeks prior to the birth. Supplements are only to be given through finger feeding with the use of an SNS.
All newborn procedures are done at my side. There is no taking the baby out of my room. If there is something life-threatening to the baby, dad will go with the baby until mom can be there.
These are all things I've learned from having my previous children. I'm having this baby at home, the OB doesn't and won't know that... I have really fast labors, so we can claim not enough time to get to the hospital. She knows that I'll refuse induction, and will try and get me to have one, but my babies are just fine going past term, three have done it before.
