Monday, October 17, 2011
"Do you know anything about this doctor/hospital?"
As a doula, I am often asked about whether or not certain health care providers and/or facilities are "natural birth friendly" or if I know anything concerning the particular doctor/hospital. I actually try to avoid this question because it leads me down a path that makes it difficult to answer professionally vs morally. There are times, I have information that would put the hospital and/or doctor in a negative light, so how to respond? Should I remain professional and choose to answer vaguely or do I go out on a limb offer a more detailed description? And often times even if I choose to go out on a limb most mothers will choose to remain with the same care-provider (I fully understand the reasoning behind choosing to stay, I don't judge the mother who remains.). What are your thoughts/opinions? Fellow professionals how do you respond? Expecting mothers what is your perspective?
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ReplyDeleteSo cool you have a blog now! Anyway, I read your question and here is what I thought. I would just say certain things, but press on the fact that it is your personal opinion, and they might not feel the same way. I can see how certain mothers-to-be just want to know in advance if a certain facility or doctor is going to work with them or not. I feel that you can tell them your personal opinion and follow with the fact that you have worked with all kinds of doctors and hospitals and that there can always be something, but nothing that can't be worked on. I remember my birth, I am sure you do too, and if I knew I was going to have to fight like that for a natural birth, I probably wouldn't have gone there, but having you there and really standing my ground, I think it went fine, and I got my way anyway.
ReplyDeleteI would want to know if my doctor or choice of hospital wasn't natural birth friendly. I don't think people are necessarily looking for a professional opinion, they could just ask the hospital or doctor for statistics on amount of c-sections done, percentage of epidurals etc if they wanted a strictly professional opinion. I think it's fine to answer if you've had experience with the doctor or hospital before as long as you let them know this was in another persons case, it could be different for them, and so on.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe any woman, anywhere should EVER have to fight to get what they want for their birth. Of course, we all know that birth isn't scripted & things may not go how we like, but it shouldn't be a fight with the facility, or health provider (be it OBGYN or home birth midwife) that provides the services. I personally would want to know. They are asking your opinion because they believe you have "insiders information" because you've attended so many births. If you know a hospital isn't natural birth friendly, or a particular doctor isn't, then I'd certainly pass that information along. You don't necessarily have to give details unless you feel you can with that particular person, but I think they want to know, and that's why they are asking. Just my two cents! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the input! I love all opinions expressed. In each situation I try to evaluate the best possible answer for each mother. I think generally speaking most of the time no place is perfect but some have more issues than others. But I do not have a problem supporting a mother who chooses to stay with such a provider. I feel that it is her choice and my role to support her 100%. Again I do appreciate the feedback! :)
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I think you did an amazing job handling my questions.
ReplyDeleteI like that you would have given me support anywhere that I chose but ultimately gave me your opinion on doctors you thought would be better for my situation. I'm so glad you did that and we ended up where we did.
Thank you! I think you were in the perfect place for your situation and had an excellent birth!
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