Here is a “lovely” sign posted in an OB’s office.
While on the one hand, this sign irritates me, because it shows utter disregard for women and their rights.
On the other hand, at least they are up front about the fact they won’t be supportive of what a mom wants, that they will do things “their way or the highway.
Makes it REAL easy to change to a new care provider.
I have to add more
Jill at Unneccesarean posted about an OB who gives out THEIR birth plan.   Which basically said to the patient, “I am going to decide what happens here and use all the newest and greatest interventions possible.  Don’t even bother having an opinion, I don’t care.”
The mom who got this birth plan from her OB, changed care providers and had a lovely birth center birth.
Maybe OBs having birth plans is a good idea. If moms knew what they were going to “get” at birth, they may be more pro-active in searching out alternatives. Most moms show up at the hospital not knowing what is going to happen (except a baby will be born.)
That sign is unbelievable to an extent and really believable in another sense!
My midwife gave me a “birth plan” of sorts. She said I could use it or not, didn’t matter to her. Basically I could check off what I wanted for each category. Each category would have something a typical OB birth would include (such as episiotomy) and then what the midwife suggested (tearing rather than a cut). Simply check the box you wanted. No pressure!
Now I have to go read this OB birth plan…
I think more OBs should provide their version of a birth plan. It would offer more transparency into their beliefs and allow moms to make more informed decisions.
When I saw that sign on Facebook I thought of you. I knew it would just be a matter of time before you posted about it. 😀
I agree that OB’s should have a birth plan–I think a lot of moms would be surprised to see what their OB considers normal for a birth.
I wish all doctors were more upfront like that! I’ve been through 2 OBs so far with this pregnancy (I’m 18 weeks), and am interviewing a midwife today, all because the OBs would have nothing to do with a natural VBAC with Hypnobabies. One told me that I *would* get an epidural, the other said they would disregard my wishes if they felt they needed to.
Now I’m planning a HBAC. Forget all that mess. 🙂
Ha! I actually used this Dr. for my DD1. I was totally naive, and just went with it. After all, my sister used him, and loved him! My experience was horrible. Now, I’m expecting my DD2 any day (due in 4 days!) and I’m doing everything differently. I am using a Midwife, have a Doula, a Birth Plan and I’m using the Bradley Method! I’m actually glad I had such an extreme OB that first time around, because it forced my into doing my own research, and drastically changed my outlook on pregnancy and childbirth. Now I just have a hard time not “preaching” to every pregnant woman I meet!
True it would give transparency, which would help moms decide if they want the type of care they are providing!
Have a great HBAC!
That is the hard part, not preaching! I think a lot of moms are not ready to “hear” until they have a negative experience.
While the OB’s views are absolutely disgusting, at least he is forthcoming and honest! More than we can say about most OBs, who seem to enjoy tricking women into thinking that a woman can have any sort of birth she wants with them. Then they change their tunes at the bitter end of pregnancy, when it’s likely too late for the woman to change caregivers.
Maybe a question that pregnant women interviewing a caregiver should pose is: “What is YOUR birth plan? How do you envision MY birth going? What is your idea of normal birth?”