CFM at the Royal Women's in Melbs

Hi everyone,

Are there any mums out there who had their VBAC at the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne, who requested not to have continuous foetal monitoring? What kind of reception did you get when you brought it up? Were you successful in not having continuous monitoring? Was it a cause of disagreement? Were you pressured?

I've just had a couple of antenatal appointments and I'm a bit put off because I've been told point blank that CFM for VBACers is their policy, with no mention of the element of consent or choice.... the midwife I saw today even referred to 'some mums who put having a natural birth above the health of their baby'..... I mean really - what an inappropriate and misinformed thing to say - it makes me think I'll be in for a really big struggle if I even request intermittent monitoring during the labour.

I went to a lot of trouble to change my maternity hospital to RWH because I heard they were more pro VBAC than the other hospital I had booked into, so I'm extremely disappointed and concerned about this.... I've got a doula but I'm not nearly assertive enough at the best of times, and imagine that I will be at a huge disadvantage when I'm in labour.

It's true that I am not a medical professional but I have researched the risks very intensively and feel I have a good understanding of what can go wrong, how to identify warning signs, and when to defer to professionals.

Of course, like all mothers, I would never insist on anything that will put my baby at risk. I would like to be monitored with a hand-held doppler, and I am not even against intermittent electronic monitoring (with restricted movement) I just want the ability to get out of bed as much as possible throughout my labour.

What do you think? any thoughts would be very much appreciated.

Thanks.

I was induced at 41 weeks due to bleeding at RWH and had CFM. The staff at my birth were not keen on listening to my desires at all. When i refused the internal probe into bub s head for monitoring (three times), it was inserted anyway without my consent.

Definately a cause of disagreement, followed by pressuring (bringing in other staff) followed by assault where they did it anyway despite my refusal.

You need someone who is comfortable in asserting your rights during the birth. Is your doula or partner able to do this (if you are not)? You need someone with you at all times. You need to find out what hospital policy is. And you need to stay home as long as possible.

I have friends who had enjoyable experiences at RWH but mine was not.

bump :) Any other experiences? I had another appointment today and don't hold out much hope to be honest.

Thanks.