Hospital policy?

Question

Ok I live in MA and have a 5 (soon to be 6) year old. Now 6 years ago when I deliever my daughter naturally it was "hospital policy" to have an IV just incase. My labor was fine and it was never used. I remember getting frustrated with it. It wasn't attached to anything it was just in my hand just incase they need to give me anything(again they did not) I would REALLY REALLY like to avoid it this time around with baby #2 
Can I refuse the IV? (Until it is/or if it's needed) hospital policy are more "guidelines" then nessesarly "rules".. Right?

Answer

Furthermore IVs decrease mobility which can delay things.  You need to be able to move around to progress things.  My sister had four hospital births with a midwife instead of an ob and never had an IV :) if you don't have a complicated or high risk pregnancy you should be fine. Be your own advocate!

Answer

You can always refuse treatment of things such as that.  Hire a local doula- they can usually help support you.  I'm a nursing student and plan on a non intervention birth unless need arises.  This has been difficult to deal with being pregnant but I try and reason well and say what I believe to be best practice.  Don't get bullied into things. Luckily here in Minneapolis we have several mom friendly birthing units. :)

Hospital policy?

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