Can hospitals in New York Force you into having a repeat c-section? I have about come to the end of my rope and Im considering simply refusing to schedule a c-section. However Im worried that if I refuse they can get a court order or something to force me into having it. If telling them ahead of time is a bad idea can I just show up to a hospital in time to push and not worry about them giving me a c-section?
I have looked into many different hospitals. So far the only one I think may help me may also be closing in a month. This will be VBA2C so not the average VBAC and so its harder for me to get assistance on it. I fit every criteria for a natural birth except having had a previous vaginal birth. I have read pushed (great book) which gave me the idea of laboring at home and delivering in the hospital. Im having financial issues with finding a midwife that will take me and medicaid on. I have thought about a doula but was kind of worried that if I told them what my plan was they might be apprehensive.
I did find out that the hospital I am at now has theses waiver forms. I can deny any procedure surgery or vaccine as long as they make me aware of the consequences and dont hold them responsible. which is fine by me but it also cannot be an emergancy situation. So avoiding the hospital at first may be best for me. And getting a doula for help at the hopsital might also be a great idea thanks ladies!!
Go for it. The doctors are trying to protect themselves which is understandable. But it shouldn't be at your expense. Keep doing your homework and find the right doctor who knows the success rates and is willing to go it with you. Best, A.
I highy doubt that they will force you to have any kind of procedure done without your concent. with that said however, I do agree with your doctors. It is very risky to have a natural birth after already having had a c-section with your first. You are putting you and your baby at risk. I would really do some research first before making this decision.
Hi S.:
The answer is NO to your first question. If you feel that the hospital is working against your best interest, then you may want to consider a safe, compassionate and supportive hospital or birth center.
How far along are you? Have you considered hiring a birth doula to assist you prior to and during childbirth? I am a Birth Doula and Owner of a wellness company that specializes in maternity care. My company can assist you with your pregnancy journey.
Please feel free to contact me to discuss further. The web link is www.wholecreations.com/wombfull.html.
All the best,
N.
____@____.com
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The hospital CAN refuse to perform VBACs. It's not terribly uncommon for doctors or hospitals to outright refuse to do them. While the risk of uterine rupture is low with a VBAC, when it happens, it is a devastating, life-threatening emergency, so their insurance will often refuse to cover providers who perform them (basically, it's a liability issue for the doctors or hospitals -- sometimes even if they wish to perform them their insurance companies will not let them).
However, the hospital CAN'T force you to have a c-section! If you really want a VBAC and are a good candidate (I think VBACs can be great, but I personally would not recommend anyone attempt them if they don't meet the criteria -- if your C-section was too recent, if the baby is REALLY huge, etc.), the best thing to do is just to go to another hospital. You can, of course, just show up at the hospital ready to push -- they cannot turn you away at that point -- but that's not what I would do. The risks of uterine rupture are low, but if it happens and you're not at the hospital, your baby's life would be in serious jeopardy. So if it were me, I would want to labor at a hospital just in case. I would recommend finding a hospital and a doctor that will be willing and able to let you VBAC if all goes well!
In the book "Pushed" by Jennifer Block she researches this exact topic. The book is amazing and I think it would benefit you to read it, especially the section on VBAC's (high success rate - Csection much riskier believe it or not). She details stories of women who are in the same situation as you. I second Lindsey B's answer. Try choicesinchildbirth.org to find a doctor/hospital who respects your choice to have a vaginal birth. Doula's are also a great resource, they have invaluable information on the system. And just to throw it out there, there are many midwives who perform VBACS. My friend just had a VBAC at home and it was a beautiful experience. Good luck.
