How do you feel about 'assumed consent'?

[nothing2lose]

I think there is a difference between having a relationhip with an OB (through the private system) that you have chosen and you trust to do the right thing when it is game time, versus having your child delivered by someone you have never met before within the public system.

I would also prefer to be cut, with or without my informed consent, if it meant having a healthy child born alive at the end.
I imagine most HCP would see that as their end goal and would assume, rightly or wrongly, that most women would too.

[shan23]

I would also prefer to be cut, with or without my informed consent, if it meant having a healthy child born alive at the end.
I imagine most HCP would see that as their end goal and would assume, rightly or wrongly, that most women would too.

Same here. And I agree with Chody too, I dont mind that I was cut. I went public, but I still trusted that the ob who was there with me had my sons best interests at the top of his priority list. When I saw him grab the scissors and asked what they were for and he told me, I was fine with it. Maybe I feel so 'meh' about it because I had zero healing issues with it and it wasnt painful. Idk. I definitely was not treated like a slab of meat, or feel like I was assaulted or anything like that.

[~TT40~]

in some cases an episiotomy is needed. But in those cases there is still time to explain what and why to the woman and get consent.

[AngelPants]

i havent read others replies but heres my opinion, mainly from my experience.

Do you think women should have to give informed consent for an episiotomy?yes

Do you think that it is ok for HCPs to assume consent (for an episiotomy) if consent has been given for vacc or forceps?no, in no shape or form

Do you think that it is ok for HCPs to assume consent (for an episiotomy) because a woman is in labour and has entered a hospital? absoloutely not

Do you think it is ok for a woman to refuse a procedure? When/Why? When is it not ok?yes it is ok to refuse, when it is rountine, just waiting for the perineum to stretch etc etc. its not ok to refuse when it is a matter of getting your baby out alive or when there is going to serious tearing in the wrong place, then consent should still be obtained, if refused, explained why it was really essential to have it occur. most women in that position would not refuse one. if they did i dont know what action should be taken, it would be a hard place for the Drs and middies to be in.

from my experience it is absolutely not ok to assume consent in any situation. for me it was unnecessary (DS tho playing funny buggers, had ridiculasly good apgars and there was plenty of oportunity to explain what and why things were happening) and led to lots of tears and stress post natally, and continues to cause issues now, over 2 years later.

[little_O]

I think there is a difference between having a relationhip with an OB (through the private system) that you have chosen and you trust to do the right thing when it is game time, versus having your child delivered by someone you have never met before within the public system.

I would also prefer to be cut, with or without my informed consent, if it meant having a healthy child born alive at the end.
I imagine most HCP would see that as their end goal and would assume, rightly or wrongly, that most women would too.

I think n2l is referring to the news article on the other thread where the ob has suggested (right or wrong) that he was denied permission and has attributed it, amongst other factors, to the death of the poor baby.

When I brought up about episiotomies with my ob #2 he said he only ever cuts if he can see damage is going to happen from tearing in a bad direction or way. When I was in labour it certainly wasn't necessary and it never happened. That being said (for me personally) if the ob had to make the call to cut me while I was pushing, and asked me, I would have panicked knowing. Not knowing would have been the more positive experience for me.

I think a pp comment about the relationship you have with your ob is true. To me some random ob coming in and asking to cut me would have envoked outrage, whereas a person I trust and know advising why is a different matter.

I do believe though a woman can say no, and routine episiotomies are ridiculous.