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I think that this happens way too often when it shouldn't.
Somehow in our culture we have this idea that we can't
birth without someone in a white coat standing over us. I think this leads to many unnecessary transports. Often we are cut
open, and Drs proceed to tell us how this has saved our lives. I believe that in most of these cases, if we'd been more patient
the problem would have resolved itself. Personally, I feel safer with a difficult birth at home, than I would at the hospital.
I've done it both ways, and in the long run home was safer for me.
Kiley
Based on what
was occuring at the moment, if I felt there was some true emergency that could absolutely not be handled at home,
I would transfer to the nearest medical facility that was equipped to handle the situation. DH or I would probably call ahead
& let them know we were on our way, or we would call 911 if we felt it was a dire emergency requring immediate medical
intervention.
~Carrie
If I felt the need to transfer, I'd go.
Ruth
I'm sorry I ignored my instincts and went
when we both felt fine.
Ruth
Listen to your gut & go. There's nothing
wrong with feeling like you need help if you do. What is bad, is if you hear a little voice telling you to get help &
you don't listen & something goes wrong. YOU are the one who has to live with your decision. So if you need to go , go.
Hospitals *DO* serve a purpose, sometimes :)
Aubrey
If you are listening closely to your intuition throughout
pregnancy, and suddenly feel that THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG, and have a strong need to go to the hospital, then by all means
go. But if you have been feeling fearful, and get more fearful during the birth, your intuition is going to be messed up,
and it might well be the fear talking, rather than a real need to go.
Think of your reasons for wanting to go-- are
you getting tired of a long labor, do you feel more pain than you wanted to and want medications, are you being pressured
by family/friends, does it feel differently than you thought it would...? If you feel like you want to transfer, sit down
by yourself and talk to the baby-- pay close attention to what you are feeling. There is a big chance that Fear is raising
his ugly head, and making you doubtful of your inborn ability to birth your baby yourself. From what I have seen and read
of UC transports in previous years, most of them were unnecessary-- only a couple seemed like *maybe* there was good reason
for them...
Don't ever let Fear make your decisions for you.
Beatrice-- mama to Max (6, CNM hospital birth),
William (4, LM home waterbirth), Dora (2, family UC), Wee One (in belly, arriving late-Winter, UC)
*Bee's Official
Disclaimer: All of my answers express my own personal opinion, and as I am not a trained birth professional, but better, an
experienced mother, none of it ought to be construed as medical advice.*
I think it's a good idea to have a "back-up plan"
just in case. This may mean back up medical insurance (most states offer free medical insurance for pregnant women check out
your local health dept.), obtain some pre-registration forms all filled out and ready, and have a phone on hand if you need
to call 911(especially if you are birthing alone). Again go on your gut instincts on the point you feel that things are "wrong"
or out of your control and you need additional medical assistance. It might be a good idea to have your wishes written down
as a "living will" to take with you to the hospital, or have your spouse/partner be your advocate and stand up for your wishes
and not be allowed to leave your side.
I think I might want to add, that if you need to transfer postpartum, for *YOU*....
and the baby is healthy and well, make sure your spouse or close family relative has "custody" of the baby and only you are
admitted as the patient. If this happens, it's less likely the baby would be subjected to pokings and proddings and shots
and eye goop. Be clear on your wishes as to both the care for you and your child and don't be afraid to stand up and refuse
any treatment you don't feel necessary.
karly
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