HB Midwife Pushing for stretch & sweep- VENT

[onthefly]

That's really frustrating!
Sounds like you and your midwife are in a bit of a tricky situation. Have you talked to her about how you're feeling? If only to clear the air before you go into labour next week
Hope it all goes smoothly for you this time

[JellyBean]

Thanks guys. Have decided I must boycott the stretch and sweep and be as open as possible about what I want - otherwise I fear I will regret it.

If this means I end up in hospital because of low platelets then I suppose that's what I have to do. Just not sure exactly what they can do for me in hospital that cannot be done at home? I am already having a managed (drug induced) 3rd stage for delivery of placenta, plus will accept blood transfusion if required. (Heaven forbid!), which is exactly what they offer in hospital if you bleed heavily. So I really can't see where else things would be different.... Last time I went to hospital they only complicated things for me by pushing all sorts of uneccessary drugs which I reacted badly to.

[jackrose]

How are you going JB?

Been thinking of you. Hope it has been a smooth week with everything!

[Julie Doula]

Hope everything is going well, JB. The whole point of a homebirth is less intervention so things can unfold naturally. Low platelets *may* increase the risk of bleeding more, slightly - but they don't mean that you *will*. A S&S is really interference that could set off the cascade, natural induction is still induction and often leads to problems. The manipulation and coercion here is wrong wrong wrong - maternity services are bound to support women's choice - which means if a woman gestates to 44 weeks and the homebirth service cut off says she must be in hospital if she goes over 42 weeks, but the mum still wants her homebirth - then guess what, they are bound to support HER CHOICE. If you still want a homebirth with (slightly) low platelets while you are doing everything possible to build up your blood, then they should advise you of the pros and cons, and make a note that you have been counselled, chose to continue with the homebirth, and that they are duty bound to continue to support you.

A herbal tea of Nettle, Red Clover, Alfalfa, Red Raspberry Leaf and Dandelion can also be excellent to build up the blood.