GentleStrength

Perhaps I misheard about which hospital! I'll double check.

Apologies if any of my information was inaccurate. The info about doctors and epidurals was something an obstetrician told me while I was on my first medical placement when I began my nursing training. It's also something that my mother-in-law has echoed, and she's the Director of Midwifery at Guy's Hospital. The risk of infection from an incision and natural tear are similar, but not the same. I would alway opt for a natural tear during an uncomplicated delivery, as the risk of infection is slightly less. Either way, broken flesh exposes us. During my labour, I had to have a ventouse delivery. Three different doctors came in to debate whether or not to cut me. They decided to in the end, and I tore anyway. Medicine is far from an exact science, but they did they best they could for me. Every doctor is different and every NHS Trust is different, so there are inconsistencies everywhere. I can only speak from my own experiences. The best thing, of course, is to avoid perineal trauma altogether! Perineal massage can really help. It doesn't necessarily improve the elasticity of the perineum, but it helps the woman learn how to relax through the discomfort caused by stretching. Being able to relax keeps you supple, which decreases your risk of tearing.

Saffron Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I really, really wanted an ante-natal/birth doula. > I was out of the country working for most of my > pregnancy. When I returned to London and started > looking for a local doula (around 6 months > pregnant), I actually couldn't find one that met > my needs and was available. I think there is a > need for good local doulas to assist in birthing, > not a nanny-role at all. Don't be put off. My > midwives were very supportive of the idea of > doulas assisting the birth. They said that doulas > are often doings things they would like to do but > midwives are simply spread too thinly timewise. xx I'm so sorry to hear that you couldn't find a doula! I go through spells of having a very hard time finding clients. How ironic. Midwives are absolutely spread too thin. Guy's Hospital is actually planning to hire a full-time team of doulas for their labour and postnatal wards. This will ensure that women are never left alone, lacking care. It's a fabulous idea.

As a mum who gave birth at King's, student nurse, and Doula who has helped clients labour at King's, this is my advice: 1. The Trust's policy is to only admit women who are in active labour. This means you must be more than 3cm dilated. The reason for this policy is to keep the overcrowding to a minimum. There is a horrendous shortage of beds as is, and when women who are not yet in active labour are occupying a bed, it increases the number of women who are forced to deliver their babies in cars, in the waiting area, etc. 2. Be assertive about asking for analgesics. Entonox will be available to you as soon as you are admitted. The medical staff are required to be a bit resistant when it comes to the epidural due to the risks. Just stand your ground and assure them that your decision is an informed one. 3. You should have a midwife with you most of the time, but it's not always possible to have one at your side 'round the clock. Emergencies on other parts of the labour ward require all hands to be on deck. I highly recommend hiring a doula to ensure constant professional and emotional support and advocacy. 4. You are allowed to have two guests with you at all times on the labour ward. Read up on the Trust's policies so you know your rights. King's now allows partners to stay overnight on the antenatal ward, but they are not allowed bedding, to shower, or free hospital meals. 5. Whether or not you have an episiotomy is usually up to the doctor's discretion. Some doctors believe that a natural tear heals more easily, others believe that a straight incision does. Both a tear and an incision pose a similar risk of infection, so it's up to you. As I said, I am a fully trained doula. Don't hesitate to get in touch. I met my last client on this forum. :)

I'm a doula. Feel free to get in touch. :)

My little one wears one. It really helps take the edge off of unpleasant teething symptoms. He only wears it around his neck when he's awake. When he's sleeping, I wrap it around his ankle, under his onesie so he can't reach it.