Public Hospital - Women's rights vs hospital policy

[Starfish]

I am currently 35+6 weeks pregnant and due to financial constraints am booked to give birth at my local public hospital. I had my first baby at a different public hospital at 35+5 when I went into labour. Even though DD was born completely healthy (despite a number of unnecessary interventions that I stupid agreed to in my then uneducated state) she was treated as a premature birth and basically I was told that I had to stay in for a full week for monitoring, was not allowed to leave and was generally treated horribly by the nurses.

Because of this, I am terrified of going into labour before 37 weeks this time, as last time I was told that because of this I would have to stay in for longer. This time, unless I can't physically walk out of the hospital, I am leaving 2-4 hours after I give birth. Can I refuse to stay the night? If I do go into early labour and go in for a check-up, can they force me to stay until I give birth?

What about after the baby is born? With DD, they got DH to cut the umbilical cord straight away, even though we had requested that they delay this (DH was too freaked out to refuse so went along with what was asked). Also I asked that DD not be given an injection straight after birth (can't even remember what it was - one of the routine ones that is supposedly not compulsory) but they gave it to her anyway (after basically telling me that I was stupid not to want her to have it).

I am completely freaking out. I am better educated this time, but am concerned that I wil once again be talked into doing things that I really don't want to do.

[FabFiona]

I"d strongly recommend that you touch base with the hospital patient advocate (or called something similar). They will help discuss your wishes and help you work with the hospital to implement them. Much better to do this prior to labour.

Unless there is a health risk to the baby, the hospital can't stop you leaving. If they feel you need to stay, they will involve DOCS and get orders but this is only if they feel the health of the baby is at risk.

[*Efjay*]

Make sure you have a written birth plan that includes the time frame in which you wish to be discharged, the delayed cord clamping & vit K injection. Then talk to your midwife/OB & ask if there are any problems with that & go from there.

[~Kim~]

Starfish have you spoken to your current care providers about your concerns? What answers have they given? Can you speak with the NUM/Head Ob at the hossy?
Legally they can't do to you/make you do anything without your consent.
If there is a risk of harm for your baby then yes, there are avenues they can pursue, but bullying you is not one of them.

[onthefly]

I'm not surprised you're so worried after what happened last time!
I think talking with them directly about this might be a good start. Perhaps your husband or someone else could come along with you for moral support so you can let them know how unhappy you were about what happened and how fearful and anxious this has left you.
You have the legal right to control your own body, so no, you don't *have* to do anything. It is hard, though, when you're in a vulnerable position and the people around you do not respect your ability to make informed decisions for yourself. I guess hiring your own midwife is out of the question, then? What about a student midwife or even a doula? They can't be your care person, but they can be there for you and your husband and offer support, which may help you.
I hope things go well for you this time.