birth plan

I wrote a full birth plan right to the last detail, then threw it in the bin as I had to have an elective C-section due to a very breech baby :)

[b'> I guess that is why is also better to have someone else present like a doula to support you. When you delivered there the first time, where you allowed to have a doula with you?[/b'> I didn't have a doula with me just my husband, I'm sure I would have been allowed one if I had wanted one, I think they allow 2 adults to accompany you at the birth, but personally I didn't want anyone but DH there.

I think Sam of mother 2 mother doulas dubai dot com is offering services for free at the moment. There are also some good resources regarding birth plans. Good luck!

I delivered at Medcare with Dr.Shiva and am about to deliver again with her next week. My birth plan was followed exactly as I'd asked, this was important because we were doing cord blood banking and the instructions for that have to be followed but they were well aware of the procedure already. I had another doctor with me whilest I was pushing and she tried to give me an episiotomy but as soon as I saw the scissors I said no thanks I'd rather tear, just then Dr.Shiva came back in and she stood up for me and said, ''she's made it very clear on her birth plan that she doesn't want one'' and that was that. I do think it depends on how alert you are though, I had an epidural so was laughing and chatting between pushes, but if you're in a lot of pain you might just go with whatever they say. Just to add, the episiotomy was the only thing they tried, they definately didn't give me an emema or try to shave me. <em>edited by bits on 21/04/2011</em>

Delighted's details can be found on the Doulas of Dubai website under, Joyce Milne. Think she's travelling at the moment, but send her an email with your questions and I'm sure she'll get back to you. She is just GREAT! My DH was very skeptical about having someone else around on D-day, but after meeting Joyce, he was so relaxed and after the actual day, he (like myself) was blown away by the amazing part she played in it all. His testimonial is on the website ;-) What a beautiful testimonial. I had a tear in my eye :)

Delighted's details can be found on the Doulas of Dubai website under, Joyce Milne. Think she's travelling at the moment, but send her an email with your questions and I'm sure she'll get back to you. She is just GREAT! My DH was very skeptical about having someone else around on D-day, but after meeting Joyce, he was so relaxed and after the actual day, he (like myself) was blown away by the amazing part she played in it all. His testimonial is on the website ;-)

bit too shy to share on a forum. :s i'd say don't worry too much. It is, in the end, a beautiful thing. I used Joyce http://www.doulasofdubai.com/contactus.htm good luck

Moonbean Just so you know, I gave birth at Medcare as well, and managed to get what I wanted without a fuss. They definitely have standard practises that are pretty dated, and not common procedure (anymore) in other countries (shaving and an enema - along with the episiotomy already discussed). But as you say, as long as you are prepared, know what you want and don't want - they definitely follow your instructions, well, that was my experience anyway. Good luck! I am sure it will all go well.

Delighted was mine too. I love her! sorry - also add, I had my baby in Feb at AH. I think the hospital was amazing. But i'll NEVER EVER go with the doctor again. She was great up until the birth but then did a naugty sly thing - just to bring on the birth. Also my follow up with her was what I can only describe as digusting and terrible. So my vote goes to AH for sure, it was fab but go with either Dr George or Dr Briathwaite. That should make it quite obvious as to who you should avoid! <em>edited by N.Kaye on 21/04/2011</em>

I had a birth plan, delivered with Dr Elsa at City Hospital and eventhough Elsa said not to worry about a birth plan...she did read mine and followed it where she could. When she went against what was written (episiotomy) she explained her reasons before hand and kept reassuring me. I also had a wonderful doula (Delighted from EW) who I cannot reccommend highly enough. And from reading you post, she sounds like she has the kind of personality you'll need on the day. All the best.

I am sure you can do this and I think Medcare allowed doulas in the past. Mind you I posted a rant on Medcare recently here ;). I hope you can avoid the cut. Believe in yourself :) . v Read stats - it is amazing how little women tear - it is very very rare when there is a need for a cut. If you can get hold of any book by Ina May Gaskin - please do. It is very empowering. go moonbean! go moonbean!

another vote with having the doula!! :)

Moonbean, which hospital you are going to deliver if you dont mind me asking? I think majority hospitals accept doulas these days. Maybe it is worth to check directly with the hospital. My DH found presence of doula very reassuring (and he is not a faint hearted ;)).

I didn't want a c-section but wanted an epidural. Luckily for both my boys that happened. One was born in Canada and one here at the City hospital and honestly I would do either again without question. Both boys were 5 weeks early so most plans were thrown out the window. First one, in Canada, I had to have an episiotomy. It was necessary since DS was sideways and caught on my pelvis. There was the discussion of suction/vacuum, forcepts, and then emergency c section as his heartbeat plummited to 20. Luckily as soon as that was said outloud his heartbeat went back to normal. Second DS I tore. But I told our dr previously what happened with the first so that she was aware. She gave me plenty of time to dialate but if things didn't progress by a certain time (I was in labour for 15hrs before DS was born) that we'd have to do a c section. In that case again it would have been unavoidable since I was 5 weeks early again and the placenta had torn away. Been very upfront with what you want and what you don't want. Sometimes things aren't much of an option. Baby being breech, cord around their neck, slow heartbeat, your health and well being. Just be prepared for that as well.

I was very pleased with AH and happy to go there for a second time around, but also considering City. I think they offer pain relief as the option is a choice of majority. Learnt from midwives in AH that unmedicated births in their hospital make about 1-2% of all births! I was well (theoretically ;)) prepared, read plenty of Ina May Gaskin and was well equipped with questions like ' ''what this intervension will do for my and baby's well being?''. There is no way I could have done it without DH and support of a doula, though. I am defenitely going to have one with my 2nd :) You know what you are capable of. I think having a supportive ob-gyn helps. Needless to say I have chosen different doctor this time around. I still keep my options opened, but hope this time it will be easier ;) When are you due?

I gave birth here, and had a birthing plan that the hospital were pretty good about supporting. We showed our Dr in one of our consultations, and she wasn't really interested at that stage to be honest. When we arrived at the hospital when I went into labour, DH had 4 copies, one for him, one for the nurses, and one for the specialist, so they were all aware of what we wanted. To be honest, every hospital and Dr will be different, so the most important thing for you, is to make sure your husband is aware of exactly what you want, and make sure he knows it is HIS responsibility to ensure the plan is stuck to. Like Joannas the Dr pulled out a scapel to perform an episiotomy on me, and I flatly refused (DH reinforced this as well) - they cannot do anything to you, that you don't want. I had done the research before - episiotomy is a completely unnecessary procedure most of the time, and it is far better to tear naturally (along the grain of your skin). My baby was perfectly positioned, my labour was very, very short, and I was completely calm and relaxed (as can be) so there was no reason for any intervention. I ended up with only two small stitches - they were shocked at how little the tear was (clearly because they usually cut). If you are really concerned (and something I wish I had done) is having a doula present with you during your birth. They can help keeping you focused, make sure your birth is as close to your plan as possible, plus they will be experienced in the hospital, will probably know staff and know what is, and isn't necessary. Whereas, for you and your DH, you second guess yourselves into following the advice of medical professionals who can be quite set in their ways here (and not necessarily for the better). Not that I had any issues this time, but I will definitely be having a doula at my next birth to make sure if there are any complications, I know that I am making an informed decision, and not just following the instructions of the Dr on hand. HTH <em>edited by TanyaR on 20/04/2011</em>

Hi Moonbean, I delivered last year in AH - my birth plan was pretty straight forward - as little intervension as possible (I kept my mind opened though). Very early though has been asked by a midwife if I want a pethidine, soon after they insisted to break my waters (there was no medical reason to do so!) - I was assertive and managed to buy a couple of hours, but eventually membranes were ruptered by a midwife. I did not want episiotomy and protested, but ob-gyn was saying that she has to or otherwise the damage will be worst (not sure really, but I was not in position to argue with her about this). Was begging for a pain relief towards the end but it was too late. I had a DH and doula with me and it defenitely encouraging to have them both. Good luck x