Can you refuse a midwife?

You have the right to choose your provider (a midwife or a doctor) to attend your birth. You have the right to support during your labor and birth, from a family member, partner and/or a birth support worker such as a doula. You have the right to breastfeed if you decide that this is best for you and your baby.

Do you have to see a midwife during pregnancy?

If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant and have not seen a GP or midwife, contact a GP or midwife as soon as possible. You'll still have your first midwife appointment and start your NHS pregnancy journey.

What do I do if I don't like my midwife?

If you are not happy with the care you are receiving or you feel uncomfortable with your midwife or obstetrician (doctor) you can ask to be seen by someone else. You do not have to give a reason for this if you don't want to. You can ask your Head of Midwifery if you would like to see a different midwife.

What can you refuse during labor?

The Right to Autonomy

For example, you have a right to refuse induction, decide whether or not to get an epidural, eat and drink during labor, and give birth in the position of your choice. You have the right to choose where to labor and give birth and leave the hospital or birth center against medical advice.

Why would someone choose a midwife over a doctor?

Many women choose a midwife over a doctor because they want additional emotional support before, during and after delivery. A midwife will get to know you, your family and your preferences over the course of your pregnancy.

Can you refuse things in labor?

What are the cons of midwife?

Is it better to see a midwife or Obgyn?

High-risk vs. low-risk pregnancies – OB-GYNs can manage high-risk or complicated pregnancies such as women who are expecting twins or have preexisting medical conditions. Midwives, on the other hand, can manage low-risk pregnancies and births.

Will hospital send you home at 4 cm?

If you're less than 4 cm dilated: You might be sent home because your labor isn't active enough for hospital admission.

Can you say no to Pitocin?

Do I have to get Pitocin? The short answer is no. Pitocin is only for those patients that truly need labor augmentation, for various reasons, which we would first discuss together. I do not routinely use Pitocin, and no one is obligated to take Pitocin, even when it is indicated.

Can I refuse prenatal care?

Pregnancy is not an exception to the principle that a decisionally capable patient has the right to refuse treatment, even treatment needed to maintain life. Therefore, a decisionally capable pregnant woman's decision to refuse recommended medical or surgical interventions should be respected.

Can I refuse midwife visits after birth?

You can refuse treatment even if your doctors or midwives think you are wrong. If you can make decisions, you can say no to treatment for any reason. Your reason does not have to make sense to other people. You can say no to treatment even where it might lead to your death, or your baby's death.

Do you legally have to have a midwife?

Is it legal to give birth without assistance? Yes. You do not have to accept any medical or midwifery care or treatment during childbirth.

How many times do you see a midwife during pregnancy?

During your pregnancy you will usually have between seven and ten antenatal appointments depending on whether it is your first pregnancy. Women with complicated pregnancies or who are expecting multiple babies may need additional appointments.

Should my husband come to my first midwife appointment?

It's fine for your partner or a friend to come with you. Remember you're likely to be talking about some confidential and private things. It's up to you whether you'd feel more comfortable discussing these things in confidence with just your midwife, or if you'd prefer to have someone else that you trust there as well.

How many times do you see midwife after birth?

You will have at least three appointments with a midwife after the birth. Ideally this will be with your named midwife or a familiar member of the team. This is not always possible, because it is important for you to be seen at certain specific points and your midwife may not be working that day.

Why do hospitals push Pitocin?

If you are an expecting parent or ever plan to be, you should know the term “pit to distress.” This is an oblique order doctors give to increase the levels of a synthetic hormone, Pitocin, to a mother during childbirth in order to speed up the labor and delivery process.

Why do doctors push for induction?

Contractions help push your baby out of your uterus. Your provider may recommend inducing labor if your health or your baby's health is at risk or if you're 2 weeks or more past your due date. For some women, inducing labor is the best way to keep mom and baby healthy.

Why you shouldn't get Pitocin?

Pitocin causes contractions that both peak and become stronger more quickly than naturally occurring contractions. The result is a labor that is more difficult to manage. In addition, the uterine muscle never totally relaxes between contractions, increasing stress on both the uterus and the baby.

At what CM does your water break?

If your water (aka “amniotic sac,” “bag of waters” or “membranes”) hasn't broken on its own when you arrive at the hospital, and you're five or more centimeters dilated, your OB might recommend bursting the bag by hand—especially if your cervix seems to be making slow (or no) progress.

At what dilation do you get an epidural?

Doctors have to wait until the cervix is at least 4 centimeters dilated before doing an epidural. Otherwise, the epidural will slow the process down too much. However, once the cervix becomes fully dilated it is too late for an epidural to be given.

At what dilation do you get admitted?

Generally, doctors are looking to admit individuals who have dilated to 3-4cm with consistent contractions that are five minutes apart and about a minute long. However, there are other reasons why someone who does not meet those parameters to be admitted.

Does a midwife actually deliver the baby?

A midwife is a trained health professional who helps healthy women during labor, delivery, and after the birth of their babies. Midwives may deliver babies at birthing centers or at home, but most can also deliver babies at a hospital. Women who choose them have had no complications during their pregnancy.

Can I see both a midwife and an OB?

The Top Reasons to Consider Pairing a Midwife with an Obstetrician for Delivery. The idea of a midwife may at first seem outdated, but using the services of both a midwife and your obstetrician can benefit your health and the health of your baby.

Do midwives give epidurals?

Do midwives give epidurals? Some midwives can prescribe epidurals, but midwives can't give epidurals. They consult with an anesthesiologist or a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Anesthesia providers are typically available in hospital settings only.