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

[eliskimo.livejournal.com]

I had Lasairfhiona (beithgrove) come be my unofficial doula. She was great. I'm sorry that you are in a position where you don't know anyone and can't hire someone. My sister-in-law (Amy) said her doula made all the difference in the world for her (giving birth in Kentucky). But if you want to be solitary, that's a valid choice, too. I was just terrified of being left alone.

I don't know anything about the Bradley Method. I take it that's the class you are taking? Both Joel and Dru lent Jay copies of a book called "The Birth Partner" which, as is pretty obvious from the title, doesn't limit the "birth partner" to husbands only. It might irk you less.