Subject: Flouting Hospital Policy and VBAC Birth at Birth Centre RWH Some of you may remember the entry made on my behalf by Toni about having a 2nd VBAC birth at the Birth Centre at RWH. I have managed to secure a review of the policy, with the suggestion that they implement a study into the safety of VBAC in the RWH Birth Centre utilising women who have already had a successful VBAC (the lowest risk group). This is currently under consideration and I have been advised by Kevin Forbes that there should be some sort of conclusion by 10th May (it has been under consideration and review now for a month).
My second query is however directed at midwives currently working in the public hospital system. I intend to use water for pain relief during my labour - shower or bath. The policy at RWH is currently that women cannot labour in the baths (let alone give birth). I am aware that we have the right to refuse any treatments even if it is hospital policy eg. initial monitoring on admission. However this is refusal of a preferred treatment. In the circumstance I am considering it is the opposite situation, ie. utilising a non preferred treatment. How do hospital staff react if a woman and her support team take action to run a bath for the woman and to assist her to enter the bath when hospital staff are not asked to assist? (It is assumed that due to policy a request for assistance would be refused). Your opinion / examples would be appreciated. Debby Miller. Interested Mum and a bit of an advocate. _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
