Standing up for yourself is hard...

[worldofwisdom]

Dr said I'm still measuring 2 weeks ahead so I'm having a scan to check. I also have to see the anesthetic team because my BMI is high. I am a fit person, I just have gained a bit of weight during this first pregnancy. Why do Doctors seem to push pain relief at you when clearly I'm not interested? I am going to stand up for myself and make sure this birth experience is what I want it to be.

[MorganRN12]

I know its hard to stand up and say no to pain meds, especially when its being pushed on you. I'm a nurse and I know that the body can heal itself much more efficiently without the stress of pain. That is probably the main reason I tell people that pain medication can be very beneficial after trauma to the body; however you have the right to refuse. Tell your doctor that you've made up your mind and ask him/her to not bring up the subject again. It's a patient's RIGHT TO REFUSE!!! Good luck and I hope all goes smoothly.

[Michele, Katy, TX]

I am pregnant w/ my 8th baby and have had the same OB for them all.  He is wonderful and has never tried to push pain meds on me.  Perhaps it's simply because they don't like to see people in pain and nowadays, you don't have to be.  As doctors, they also know that you never know what might come up or if the mom may change her mind.  Emergencies do happen and moms do change their minds.  For example, if someone wants an epidural, they have to do blood work first because they have to make sure your blood is clotting properly, etc., so they have to do that "just in case."  However, that blood work wouldn't have to be done until you are in labor already.

My advice to you is to either be strong or find another doctor that you are happy with.  Many people complain about their doctor but you are not locked into your doctor.  If you aren't happy, simply change doctors.  There are some GREAT doctors out there.  You could also go the midwife route, but do your research there too because a midwife is not a guarantee for a wonderful birth.  I have seen many stories there too.

[Sarah765]

I agree with ash, you have to fight for it.  And having someone who is going to help you fight for it is so important because there will probably be a point where you want to give in.  Make sure your husband really understands, my husband is great about it because he believes 100% the way I do about it, but a lot of men hate seeing there wives in pain so they arent as supportive about it, just because they want to be able to help you.  If thats the case you may want to have someone else there in your corner.  I also cant see what weight would have to do with needing the pain medication.  Thats rediculous.  

[Ashdub07]

Write out a birth plan an write all the reasons you DON'T want the epidural. Give it to hubby when you are at the hospital so he can back you up by saying remember why you didn't want one? Remember all the benefits of no medication? My husband was like give this woman an epidural she's in pain! But luckily my kids godmother was with me and she was like F off Justin! Lol she really was my voice and when I was about to cave she was like ok but do you remember all the nights we stayed up talking about this? She really helped me!

[worldofwisdom]

Great advice! I have my husband.. so I'm hoping he understands and listens to what I want. :)

[Ashdub07]

Because they don't want to deal with our "pissing and moaning" so they try to push meds on us Stand your ground! Take a friend with you to your birth to speak for you when you can't speak!