TTE7

Thank you all so much for the response! I knew this was the place to go:) The closest birthing center would be over an hour away, so I don't think my dh will go for that. He is ok with the 45 minute drive. We did check it, and it is 45 minutes. I'm not sure if there are any midwives that deliver at this facility. Do midwive use hospitals? I'll have to contact the hospital and see. That was a very good idea about getting the antibiotic and then stopping the drip when it's done. Hadn't thought of that. This made me feel more confident and I realize I'm on the right track. I just need to educate myself as much as possible. I hope this thread will help someone else when they need it. Blessings, Tammy

I forgot to mention. My doc stripped my membranes with the third, without asking me. That's why I went into labor. Also, with group B strep, do you have to take the antibiotic via IV? Thanks! Tammy

Fist of all, I am not a nurse, so I hope it's ok to be here. I have had three children and am pregnant with my fourth due in about 7 or 8 months. I was induced with my first. Didn't really want to be, but did what the doc said. Really wanted a natural birth, but ended up with pitocin and an epidural. During the first pregnancy I questioned why I would need an IV. He said it was standard procedure. I was diag positive with group B strep, so I assumed I had to get the IV for the antibiotic. Second birth, my water broke at home. Basically just did what the doctor said. Got my IV and my epidural. Had the baby in about 10 hours. Third birth, went into labor and they had to break my water. Got an epidural (because by this point, that's just what happens.) and had the baby in about 7 hours. The only complication was some mec in the water when it broke. She had the cord all twisted up around her. Not her neck though. Now, I have this overwhelming feeling to do things differently with this one. On top of wanting to go as natural as possible, I didn't like the way the nursery worked at my hospital. They gave my first and third babies sugar water without my consent and I had to fight them to even get my babies in my room when I wanted them. My second would have been that way as well, but there were tornadoes that weekend and we spent the majority of the time together in a hallway in waiting room chairs. He had no trouble nursing but my other two did. hmmmm So after this book I've written...here are my questions: 1. Is an IV really necessary when you first go in? I always feel like a sick person dragging this thing around. They always tell me to stay in bed. 2. Do you think it's possible to try for a more natural birth at this hospital, or should I drive 45 minutes or more to a different place? The alternative place has l/d rooms with tubs and private suites and the baby rooms in with mom the whole time. 3. On the same note, do you think since I am more educated and experienced I can just have this baby where I have before and just "make" them give me my kid? The place I usually go is just more convenient because my parents live close by and will have my other kids. That's really all that's making me question this move. Any opinions and advice are welcome from all of you experienced nurses!! Blessings, Tammy