Again it depends on your hospital and circumstances too.

My last birth was a VBAC, I had excellent MWs who were supportive of my choices and knew well before hand that unless under emergency situations was I to be offered anything other than gas. I knew going in that it would be in both mine and my babies best interest to be monitored throughout and I was prepared to kiss my vbac goodbye should the need arise.

I actually asked at one point to be examined to see how far dilated I was but the next thing I was pushing so it was a bit late for that.

BUT - they cannot just "go ahead" and do anything without consent unless the mother was unconcious. Well thats how it is at my hospital. They cannot administer drugs without consent as the patient could very well be allergic. If they did they would be up for a law suit! Though in saying that there are circumstances where the risk to mother and baby can out weigh the consent thing.

With my first baby,born by emergency ceasar, I was told what the Drs thought SHOULD be done and given the option to do things my way. I chose the Drs way. I had to sign a consent form before they administered the Epi. I was told what I was drinking when I had to neutralise the contents in my stomach and the next day when I had drips and cathedars, I demanded they take them out or I was going to do it myself.

I guess to comparing two different countries systems and methods is not very fair either. We have relatively good health care here in Australia compared to other nations and the very fact that we CAN choose is nothing to be sniffed at. The other thing too is some women choose NOT to educate themselves and leave every decision to the care givers. They believe the staff will always do the right thing...which is not always the case.

Can I ask you something ........Are you planning on birthing here in Australia?

I am curious to know why you are curious about our systems etc and how they differ to yours I mean obviously there are restrictions etc in place for women over there but how is knowing what our options here in Aust goingto benefit yourself or other mothers over there (if that makes sense at all).

I am a curious kitten