Maybe Im just fortunate not to have had the bad experiences regarding women's choices. I hope this time is no different!! Wouldn't birth centres be a better option for women wanting more control? (and arent' they usually in all hospitals?)
Tanstar, you are right in your comment about who the choices affect. That has a great impact on the decisions. And Doctors deciding that they always know what is best is a huge part of the problem IMO.
Kelly it interesting that you mentioned JW's and blood transfusions. I have had this discussion with my (previous) Doc in the past. He was ok with the fact that I will refuse a transfusion under ALL circumstances.(but not without a watertight legal medical disclaimer) But when I stated that my beliefs will also stand for my child he was once again the all powerful Doc and decision maker. He basically said if he thinks the child needs a transfusion for any reason (is a baby seriously at risk of bleeding to death from being born???) he will get a court order and take possession of my baby and treat it however he likes.
So it certainly seems that if a decision is going to affect your baby then you dont have the final say in it. When more than anyone else in the world, the mother is the one who wants what is best for her child.
Blood products. Do you know how hard and how long I had to argue to NOT have blood during my pregnancy? Sure, my iron's a bit low and I'm rhesus negative but I am NOT ILL and DO NOT need blood products! Is there anything in my blood to indicate I am killing my baby? You don't really want to test? Well I don't want your injection... oh, you'll test now after you and DH giving me an ear-bashing.
Then post-partum not only let in visitors but wait until one is there and demand I have an injection... no, I can't see my results, I can't know my baby's blood group, I'm having an injection.
THIS IS SOMEONE ELSE'S BLOOD! I don't want it! But no, you've got to have it. Even the JWs I know get someone trying to bully them about this in pregnancy. (For the record, I'm having my religion as JW if I'm ever in hospital for a pregnancy again to ensure that if this happens I can make the biggest stink in the world. At least that way no-one will raise an eyebrow if I tell them I'm reading my Bible during labour.)
I hear you rosehip. but claiming to be a JW might not work... there is some very specific paperwork that goes along with the claim of being a JW. Docs are wise to people trying it out for an easier time and are making sure its authentic.
BTW ... i may be wrong... and we are going a bit off topic here... but i thought there was a completely synthetic rhesus vaccine now...????? ....just one of those little things in the back of mind....not sure if im remembering correctly.??
Not in the UK - I asked my local JW friends about this! Although I'm not one, they do recognise it's the easiest way to avoid blood products and would be fine with this claim, just so long as I am prepared to follow scripture at least whilst in hospital and thus not give them a bad name. (And, of course, it would be easier if I converted...)
LMAO!!! I got a midi come in and insist I strip down then and there for a check of my stitches. I told her only if she was comfortable doing it with ALL my vivitors in the room, and checking them too!
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