Re: [ozmidwifery] Re: presentation - words of wisdom?

[Judy Chapman]

Hi Nola,

I guess it depends on where you are. The woman (primigravida) I birthed with at 0615 today wanted an epidural but being in a small hospital and one of our GP anaesthetists being on leave it was not going to happen so she was told that if she really wanted it she would be transferred. She managed beautifully without, though she did have Pethidine (by hook or by crook) 7 hrs prior to the birth.

Her contractions were so spaced out that she would definitely have been talked into synto in most places (and maybe even here during the day) but though it was offered it was declined and she birthed beautifully of her own accord. Baby on the breast and feeding like a trooper within 45 mins despite low apgars at one and five minutes (miles of cord entwined many times around neck and body).

A satisfying shift.

Cheers

Judy

From: "Nola Aicken" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Subject: [ozmidwifery] Re: presentation - words of wisdom?

Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 01:03:02 +1000

Thanks Jo and Melissa for your responses. Whilst your comments are invaluable, I was actually wondering about midwives perceptions on whether they think it is possible to have an active birth in a public hospital. As a clinician myself, I find that it is becoming a rarity to see a woman come into the unit in which I work and have an active birth, without some form of intervention. Indeed it is not all about the obstetrical model. The last woman I cared for in labour, during a night shift, was in the unit 10 minutes and stated, "I want an epidural. It is my right!" That's a hard call!

Nola

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