I had my first baby on July 6th here in Barrie. I was scheduled to be induced at 7am, but I woke up at 3 am on my own with contractions. When I arrived at the hospital I was 2cm and then a couple hours later I was 3 cm. I was progressing on my own.
I feel like I didn’t advocate for myself and didn’t demand explanations to what they were doing and why. I allowed them to unnecessarily intervene. They broke my water and administered pitocin to speed it up. I could have laboured on my own longer since I was progressing just fine. I hated being stuck to the bed with an IV, I wanted to walk and bounce on the ball.
I got to 10 cm and attempted pushing and they rushed me into the OR for an emergency c-section. I didn’t find out exactly why or what was happening until I was in recovery.
Afterwards I learned that I actually did need one because we were both not doing well but I can’t help but wonder if I would have been successful in a natural birth if I spoke up for myself and didn’t allow so many interventions. I was so naive and uneducated so I let them do what they wanted.
I think RVH should have a lactation consultant on site because one of my nurses didn’t care about my plans to breastfeed and kept pushing me to use formula.
Although my labour and delivery was not ideal. I will admit I had an amazing recovery and stay at the hospital afterwards but now I make sure to let my pregnant friends know to speak up, demand information and explanations and always stay informed on medical decisions their doctors make.
Submitted by Emmilee
