Niadalla, I am really saddened to hear that you were treated like that and I wish I could tell you that there was only a few of us like that around. Eutra_phalia, I am one of the founding OB's of a birth centre in Queensland. I am a huge activist for home birth and women's rights when birthing their babies, Trillian. So yes, while I am medically trained I am not so one-eyed in that regard. Is it true that we have higher intervention rates, TRUE. WHY? Because, we are bound by the law to preserve life and to do no harm. It seems harsh and very black and white, which I agree it is, but that is how hospitals and our health system is governed. Ofcourse, we are not just going to knock you out and say you must do it this way or else, but it is our duty of care to give you all the information. It is not meant as a way of bullying or even as a scare tactic, it is just the bare facts. Ofcourse, it is not 100% what will happen if you dont agree but that isnt up to the medical team to decide. Ultimately, before any interventions are made, you and your partner, have to agree based upon the information you have been given. This is why, I fully support sites like BB and women asking questions like Delphmoon did to gain as much information as they can for not only next births but as reassurance or even understanding of what happened in previous births. Birth dissapointment is very real and can be crippling to families, I have seen it. I have seen the fear in women's eyes as they labour but what doesnt help is the whole 'us' versus 'them' mentality that has created such a distrust. I pride my doctors, nurses, midwives on the trust and rapport they build with the families that utilise the birth center. Each party understands that the best outcome is for an intervention free, healthy, happy birth. How they get there is about them working together and communicating. Not every birth has had its happy ending but the families have returned for their post-birth check ups knowing that every option was given to them.
Niadalla, I have found OB's are less inclined to do C-Sec on obese women due to complications with healing of the wound including breakdown...? As part of our medical registration we must be up to date with research practices and studies, so I agree take as much information as you can to your births, just you having that information alone can change a birth outcome. But, physically if there is a stall in labour, dilation etc. and we dont know why, waiting can have dire outcomes which is why we act, to bring your child into the world alive. As doctors, we dont believe we are God (I know some do) but we want what you want. We want your child here, alive so you can take them home. Interventions are high, yes, but death during childbirth is almost unheard of now.
All I can ask as a mother and as an OB is go in with as much information as you can about birth and labour, have a birth plan but also have an open mind and utilise/communicate with the people around you. In relation to Delph Moon's situation, it does sound as tho there is an anatomical (physical) reason as to why you may not be able to dilate and it might not have anything to do with your weight. Prior to falling pregnant again, I would suggest you contact a GP to organise an ultrasound to see if infact there is scar tissue on the cervix. Keep in mind, if this is the case, we can do things to 'help' your cervix along : )
