Re: Birth in the US (long, but advice appreciated)

[Guest guest]

In article <9ocm1a+ggtm (AT) eGroups (DOT) com>, kbholm@... writes

>

>Is there anything else I could say to help?

They might want to have a look at the misc.kids.pregnancy newsgroup -

American dominated, but many of the regulars there are more into non-

interventionist type births, so could probably give them more

information while knowing how the system works over there.

Cath

[Guest guest]

Hmmm, it is a bit late for them to start thinking of this...

It sounds as if they don't agree fully with the natural preparation course,

and indeed want something in between. There isn't really an in-between in

the US unless you are extremely knowledgable and confident of giving birth.

The vast majority (ie over 90%) of births go the epidural route, and the

L & D nurses aren't really equipped to help mum with pain using any other

method. There really isn't a big difference between a midwife and doctor

in the US in a hospital setting, in terms of the approach to birth/medical

interventions. The main difference is that the midwife will probably spend

more time with the mum during first stage, whereas with an doctor, they

often just arrive at the end of second stage.

It is really common in the US to have routine procedures that were

commonplace in the 1970s in the UK. Most American women don't see the harm

in this. It is common to speed up labour using oxytocin (pitocin), which

can make it hard to get by without an epidural. If they want to go the

pit/epi route, that's absolutely fine, but they should educate themselves

as to what this may lead to.

If they want to go a more natural route, I would recommend that they hire a

doula, who will be able to give them the labour support that they won't get

from the L & D nurse and OB, and relay their wishes re birth plan. For

breastfeeding support, they should contact a board-certified lactation

consultant before the birth and perhaps link up with La Leche League.

Once the baby is born, it is common to whisk it away for routine

procedures, returning it to mum clean and swaddled. If she doesn't want

this, she has to make it clear beforehand. It is also really common for

babies to sleep in a nursery and not unheard of for the nurses to give them

bottles if mum is asleep. Again, she has to make it very, very clear what

her wishes are in this situation.

Good luck to them!

Joyce

Birth in the US (long, but advice appreciated)

Had my brother on the phone from Chicago last week and he asked for

some advice on giving birth - a bit late if you ask me as the baby is

due in 2-3 weeks time!

[Guest guest]

Joyce's comments made me think of a few things I know about American births

;o)..

It is common for baby to be taken to a baby room only if mum and dady points out

they wish for baby to " room " in will baby be brought out to them... (never did

get this)..

Yes Epidurals are common (I am in a email loop with 10 American women only one

of them have done it without a epi and they all think I am mad for not wanting

one lol)..

And Episiotomy's are to,. One of my friends has 6 kids and she has had a

eposiotomy with every single one...

Also their doctor is not likely to be around until the actual pushing stage

happens (he will leave all the borring bits for them and a nurse to deal with.)

then pop in " deliver " baby and leave again...

And yes I agree get them to hire a Doula

Lonnie Phoebe & Eloisa's mama

& expecting a Christmas delivery...

My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what you

start.

So far today, I have finished 2 bags of chips and a Chocolate cake.

I feel better already.