Originally Posted by
Emily
It would be great to have the option of gas and air. In a lot if countries it is epidural or nothing. - i have 'needed' an episiotomy both times so was glad that it was available but would really like the option of something else other than stirrups and docs.
The hospital that i would have to give birth at here give an epidural as standard at 3cm(?!), only like DH to be there for the last push otherwise they send them off to the cafeteria, have crappy little delivery rooms with just a bed and stirrups (no room to walk around, no ball, no real space for DH etc), give oxytocin without your consent, don't like labour to go on too long (tend to whip ladies into surgery for C sections as it is more profitable), ignore requests for the baby not to be scrubbed with antiseptic to make them clean, do not like you to have your baby in the room with you at night and try to sneak a bottle or two in even if you have said breastfeeding only.
There are so many things that they do as standard that I don't want. The midwife said all of that could be done the way that I want but there is no guarantee that they will stick to it on the day. I am so scared they will ignore me and my wishes and switch from English to French or vietnamese so that DH will not understand. We have thought about having the birth plan translated but in the thick of it will tehy stop and read it or just do what they have always done? I have almost decided to go back to the UK except it will break my heart to leave DS1 for so long.