So, I knew Doodle was a big baby. It wasn’t until Honeybun’s ballet class a few weeks ago, though, that I learned he was actually “macrosomic” or extremely big. Another ballet mom is pregnant (also expecting her first boy after 2 girls) and was informed by her perinatologist (high-risk pregnancy specialist–ironically the same crappy doctor that made me cry earlier in my pregnancy) that because her baby would most likely also be macrosomic due to gestational diabetes, she would need a c-section as Florida mandates all babies over 4000 g be delivered via c-section. I did the quick math in my head (thanks to the 2 ½ years I spent in Ireland) and realized that is approximately 8.8 pounds, which is less than Doodle was (officially it is 8 pounds, 13 ounces…an ounce less than Doodle).
So, I took to google yet again. This Florida Law thing the Doctor referred to does not exist as far as I can tell. I have another friend who years ago told me her doctor said Florida doesn’t allow more than 3 c-sections, which also appears to be some made up doctor rule (that friend, by the way, had her 4th c-section right here in Florida last year).
I became disheartened with the American obstetric system when I was pregnant with Honeybun and was informed by my doctor at the time that I would be induced at 40 weeks and could not deliver at the hospital I wanted despite her having privileges there. Doctors, especially in obstetrics, in my opinion have become too powerful. Most women trust their doctor as the final authority on all things baby but unfortunately not all doctors always have their patients best interests in mind.
There is a lot of debate out there on why the maternity system in America has gone so far the wrong way (a 32% c-section rate, is that really necessary?). My personal opinion is that doctors are afraid of being “wrong”. They believe the best way to ensure a good outcome is to do everything they possibly can when really, doing nothing is often just as safe, if not safer. The more a mother is poked and prodded at, the more uncomfortable she gets and the more unbearable labor and birth becomes.
I can say from personal experience, being left alone is the most comfortable way to have a baby. With Doodle, I felt safe knowing my midwife was there watching over things to ensure everything was fine but was thankful she just let me do my thing. With Honeybun, when I was pushed into an induction, I did trust the midwives and doctors I was seeing and in hindsight, I shouldn’t have. I should have pushed back more and said not yet or refused interventions in the hospital when they probably weren’t really needed.
My friend I mentioned at the beginning of this post has since decided to stop seeing the perinatologist. I only wish there were more support for moms who listen to their guts and choose to seek care that suits better suits their instincts. Doctors are not the be all, end all experts we put them up to be. They’re just human and no other person knows your body better than you!
I couldn’t agree more! Before i was even pregnant with my daughter, my family practitioner informed me that due to my small build that i would not be able to vaginally deliver a baby larger than 7lbs. I remember leaving that appointment in tears knowing full well that most baby’s average at least 7 1/2 lbs and that I always envisioned a natural birth. Needless to say, when I got pregnant I did my research and found a midwife. iShe was fantastic and respected all my wishes throughout my labor. She was there to encourage me when I needed it but allowed me to labor on my own…in silence, trusting my own body’s instinct.