I was JUST going to ask if anyone out there was an L&D nurse because I have a few questions. And thank you so much for your feedback on c-sections! I am going to leave my comment about that over there.

So, I am just curious (and probably because I am nervous about the impending birth after some not-so-good experiences.)

With my daughter, my epidural went wrong. I ended up with a spinal headache. I remember telling the nurse that I could feel everything. And her response to me was that "Honey, I am sure that what you are feeling is pressure, not pain."

I spent some time in the medical field so I know that you never tell a patient how they feel. But, what if someone ends up with a nurse that they are not quite gelling with? Or someone they don't feel is listening. I wish now that I would have known what to do about that nurse. I still resent that treatment. Not to mention that the doctor didn't show up until after the birth. The whole thing was a mess.

Having said that, I had a great experience with my first son. I just want to know...what can a patient rightfully request without being too difficult? Can you refuse the gown? lol. We have been talking about that one. Do I HAVE to have an IV? Do I have to stay in bed once I am in labor? Are there other options?

I think that many moms just do what they are told without realizing that there are other options out there. And this time around, I'd like to know mine.

Thanks for the input. I love having professional insight on the board!!

You have many options. Let me preface this by saying you should discuss the options with the CNM prior to coming to L&D. Most of the CNM's and MD's require a Heplock which is an IV catheter with no IV fluids going in. It gives us access if we need it. I tell all my pt's the bed is the WORST place to labor. So as long as your baby looks healthy on the monitor you can stand on your head. If your baby is not tolerating labor then you should be in a sidelying position. Your midwife will determine how much monitoring you need and what positions she is ok with.

The gown, basically is for easy access. You can refuse it, we don't care. I've had pt's labor naked. We always tell you it may get messy, it may get cut off if there is an emergency.

If you feel you are not being heard by your nurse and it is turning into a bad experience then just ask for a new nurse or confront that nurse with your concerns and maybe he/she will change there approach. If that doesn't work ask to speak with whoever is in charge or talk to your CNM re: your concerns.

Also, remember your approach. The more you are willing to work with the CNM and staff the more they are going to want to meet your needs.

There is no internet access where I work, but I can't tell you that. So just call the hospital and ask.

Thanks so much for your input. I am going to keep all of this in mind when I go in for my labor in a few weeks. Happy to hear about the gown I've been dreading, lol!