Losing a battle

[norsegirl]

I hate admitting defeat, but I'm going to have to do just that on one thing I was pretty firm on for my delivery. It's standard hospital procedure to put in a hep-lock when you walk in the door at the hospital at which I've chosen to deliver (and probably at all hospitals). I figured if I raised enough of a stink that they'd back off and leave me alone. I hate IVs. I have shitty veins and they always collapse, resulting in pain and massive bruising. I don't need to deal with that shit on top of everything else I'll be dealing with. I also don't like the convenience that they represent to the staff when it comes to administering drugs. I want to do this naturally and do everything I can to avoid interventions of any sort. I don't appreciate the idea of the staff having immediate and convenient access to my bloodstream.

Unfortunately, I found out yesterday that I tested positive for Strep B colonization. This means I have to have antibiotics administered by IV every 4 hours during labour. I can't skip it because it could really harm the baby, and I'm guessing they won't just do it by injection. So I'm stuck with the hep lock.

Why do I get the feeling that this is just step 1 of me losing all control over this situation?

In other news I threw my back out last night, so I've been utterly useless all day. All I've really done is nap and eat and do a bit of browsing on the internet. On the bright side, I found a great gift for someone. On the downside, I got nothing done and I have no idea what's for dinner.

Comments

[eve-the-just.livejournal.com]

look at Em's delivery!

You know, she never posted anything about it, and when I last saw her I didn't know I was pregnant yet so it didn't come up. I have absolutely no idea what happened except that she was transferred to hospital at some point.

I'm not sure how much having a birth plan will help. I get the impression that health care providers down here treat them rather dismissively. In fact, a little part of me wonders if you might actually get treated WORSE if you provide one, because you've highlighted yourself as "difficult". Birth is a business here. Preventing lawsuits and protecting the bottom line seem to be far higher priorities than giving people a good experience or even providing good care that promotes their health.

[real-jayde.livejournal.com]

Em had planned for a home delivery. She had a Midwife and a Dula I believe. However, after labouring for hours, they had to transfer her to the hospital and she later gave birth there. I can't remember any more details but it just goes to show that even if you have a clear plan, it can be quickly shot to the wind.

Sometimes being difficult isn't a bad thing. What is the saying, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease"? If it really is a business they should be working to satisfy their customers. Right? Maybe not. But, as Arnora says, if you want expectations to be met, you need to be vocal about them. Or at least have someone be vocal for you :).