This question came from one of my friends that I wanted to answer on here. The question relates specifically to going to labor and delivery when not in labor as discussed yesterday.
So, you are having pain that is unexplained and is not seeming to go away, you cannot get to the doctor's office and you are concerned, so you head over to the hospital to see if you can get some answers. What do you do from there?
They will put you on the monitor to check the baby and see if you are having contractions, but sometimes that is all that will happen if there is nothing evident. Throughout pregnancy there are weird pains and twinges that are often unexplainable, and usually if everything looks good there will be no need to do more. It is also possible that the doctor may not come by if everything looks normal.
If you are not comfortable with this and and wish for further evaluation, ask. Remember to be polite and gracious, knowing that sometimes things maybe refused or you may have to wait awhile to see the doctor on call. If your nurse is not working with you, you can ask to speak with the charge nurse, but please only do this in extreme circumstances.
The biggest thing is to not be afraid to ask. You can ask to see your doctor. If you are far enough along and are unsure if what your feeling could be labor related, you can asked to be checked. You can ask for medication. You can ask for anything. Again, be polite and gracious and be willing to listen in case they must refuse your request. This is the best way to advocate for yourself. Also pray for wisdom and peace throughout this time. God is the One ultimately in control and He knows what is going on.
You can also either hire an official doula or ask a trusted relative/husband/mom/friend to advocate for you if you're too "out of it" to push for what you want/need. Some hospitals might require a document signed when you check in saying that person speaks for you in certain circumstances. Then you just have to make sure you're on the same page as your doula before the big day comes!
ReplyDeleteYou can also either hire an official doula or ask a trusted relative/husband/mom/friend to advocate for you if you're too "out of it" to push for what you want/need. Some hospitals might require a document signed when you check in saying that person speaks for you in certain circumstances. Then you just have to make sure you're on the same page as your doula before the big day comes!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was working in L&D this was not true. Unless rules have changed majorly, you are the only one who can speak for yourself as long as you are able. As far as I know power of attorney will not be honored unless you are truly unable to speak in an emergent situation. They can help you stand firm but they cannot speak for you.
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