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Informed Consent?
What on earth is 'informed consent'? You may hear the term tossed about frequently and wonder what it means. Informed consent means your medical professional has filled you in on all the benefits AND the risks of a procedure and you have given your consent.
Here are some instances when you should receive information in order to give consent:
-Membrane sweep (done in late pregnancy to hopefully induce labor; they separate the bag of waters from the cervix which should cause a hormonal reaction causing contractions and putting you into labor)
-Anytime they want to do a vaginal exam (they should always ask permission; this can be especially hard for sexual assault victims if their medical professional is unkind, brash or doesn't ask permission)
-Screenings (Nuchal Transluceny, CVS testing, amniocentesis, etc.)
-Monitoring during labor (including IV, fetal monitoring
-During delivery (cutting an episiotomy, vacuum extraction, etc.)
-After delivery (cord clamping and cutting, etc.)
-Cesarean
-Pain relief (epidural, Stadol, etc.)
If you've given birth before how often were you asked permission or given information in order to consent (or deny) privileges? Many people argue that doctors have gone to medical school and they know everything, blah blah blah. I do agree that they are knowledgeable but we must also realize that their obstetric training does not cover every complexity of human birth. And it doesn't speak anything for their personality or bedside manner.
No, it is up to patients to realize their options, ask questions and if they ever feel uncomfortable to object until they are satisfied and at peace with their diagnoses and procedures. A cancer patient, a person with heart disease, etc. all have to also learn about what they're going through and make decisions WITH their doctor. A doctor should never just tell someone what to do, especially without full disclosure.
There are plenty of doctors to trust, don't get me wrong. Even if you trust your doctor never make a hasty decision (unless time is of the essence). Get the facts, mull over what they've told you and work together.
Now here's where birth is different. Birth isn't a disease to be cured. It is a physiological phenomenon that we were created for as women. It is as natural as breathing. It doesn't mean it is easy but our bodies are capable, our minds are capable.
If your doctor/midwife is performing procedures or scheduling screenings without giving you fill disclosure on risks and benefits make sure you're asking questions. Get the information.
And most importantly never be afraid to say NO if something is not right. Don't want 20 vaginal exams while in labor? Make sure they know it.
Okay that was a long ramble. What are your thoughts? Do you feel you receive information to make informed decisions for your healthcare and birth?
Here are some instances when you should receive information in order to give consent:
-Membrane sweep (done in late pregnancy to hopefully induce labor; they separate the bag of waters from the cervix which should cause a hormonal reaction causing contractions and putting you into labor)
-Anytime they want to do a vaginal exam (they should always ask permission; this can be especially hard for sexual assault victims if their medical professional is unkind, brash or doesn't ask permission)
-Screenings (Nuchal Transluceny, CVS testing, amniocentesis, etc.)
-Monitoring during labor (including IV, fetal monitoring
-During delivery (cutting an episiotomy, vacuum extraction, etc.)
-After delivery (cord clamping and cutting, etc.)
-Cesarean
-Pain relief (epidural, Stadol, etc.)
If you've given birth before how often were you asked permission or given information in order to consent (or deny) privileges? Many people argue that doctors have gone to medical school and they know everything, blah blah blah. I do agree that they are knowledgeable but we must also realize that their obstetric training does not cover every complexity of human birth. And it doesn't speak anything for their personality or bedside manner.
No, it is up to patients to realize their options, ask questions and if they ever feel uncomfortable to object until they are satisfied and at peace with their diagnoses and procedures. A cancer patient, a person with heart disease, etc. all have to also learn about what they're going through and make decisions WITH their doctor. A doctor should never just tell someone what to do, especially without full disclosure.
There are plenty of doctors to trust, don't get me wrong. Even if you trust your doctor never make a hasty decision (unless time is of the essence). Get the facts, mull over what they've told you and work together.
Now here's where birth is different. Birth isn't a disease to be cured. It is a physiological phenomenon that we were created for as women. It is as natural as breathing. It doesn't mean it is easy but our bodies are capable, our minds are capable.
If your doctor/midwife is performing procedures or scheduling screenings without giving you fill disclosure on risks and benefits make sure you're asking questions. Get the information.
And most importantly never be afraid to say NO if something is not right. Don't want 20 vaginal exams while in labor? Make sure they know it.
Okay that was a long ramble. What are your thoughts? Do you feel you receive information to make informed decisions for your healthcare and birth?
My midwife is very hands off. During labor, she won't check me unless I want to be checked (but I now know that feeling of when it's time to push) and she usually knows when I am getting close to having to push. It really is amazing how our bodies know when to push. With my second, I couldn't control it, my body started easing him out and I got the hint: It was time to push! My body did most of the work and he was out in 4 pushes. :) Every so often they listen to the baby's heartbeat with a doppler, in or out of the water. If there is a need for fluids (like with my first birth) then it's given. They have everything they need to deliver a baby safely and if unexpected things arise, except an operating room of course since it's a birth center. I trust my midwife, but my husband is the other half of my brain and always asks questions about everything!
I actually know of a few midwives who don't do vaginal exams unless the mother requests it. Many of them attend a birth without ever checking; they trust the mother's body to know when to push and birth baby.
With my epidural births I couldn't feel to push. I may have felt pressure and a little "pushy" as they say but that was it. My natural birth was so different. The urge to bear down and push was uncontrollable. My body just knew what to do! It was just amazing. I am so amazed by what our bodies are capable of doing!
Fetal monitoring is definitely important. There are a few ways to do it that I'll talk about in the Birth Wishes Series on post #3 (monitoring during labor). Baby definitely needs to be checked on but the cervical checks are not as important unless mom needs reassurance of progress or whatever. I personally ask for exams though my last birth I felt I got too many (especially as my water had broken which increases the risk of infection anytime they check). So I will be asking for way less this time around.
With my epidural births I couldn't feel to push. I may have felt pressure and a little "pushy" as they say but that was it. My natural birth was so different. The urge to bear down and push was uncontrollable. My body just knew what to do! It was just amazing. I am so amazed by what our bodies are capable of doing!
Fetal monitoring is definitely important. There are a few ways to do it that I'll talk about in the Birth Wishes Series on post #3 (monitoring during labor). Baby definitely needs to be checked on but the cervical checks are not as important unless mom needs reassurance of progress or whatever. I personally ask for exams though my last birth I felt I got too many (especially as my water had broken which increases the risk of infection anytime they check). So I will be asking for way less this time around.
Very good information... I LEARNED something!
I didnt know you could flat out deny a vagi exam. I do although question every single thing before my midwife requests it or anything like that. I always have many questions to ask her.
With this little guy, I do not plan on having the IV fluids, I do plan on monitoring bubs heartrate though, to me thats very important.
I didnt know you could flat out deny a vagi exam. I do although question every single thing before my midwife requests it or anything like that. I always have many questions to ask her.
With this little guy, I do not plan on having the IV fluids, I do plan on monitoring bubs heartrate though, to me thats very important.
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