Can I reduce pitocin?

Question

I’m 37 weeks due any moment now since I’m dilated at a 2 1/2 and 70% effaced. This is my second baby and with my first I was 16 so they didn’t ask me if I wanted it or not and just automatically put me on it even though I went into labor natural Nd was having regular contractions etc, if it’s the same this time around can I REFUSE it before she tries to hook me up to it? They were also very rude to me and ignored my requests or kept denying my requests for example I asked for a hospital pacifier and a nurse said “we ran out I’m sure” and I reply with “well can you check for me pls?” And she still stood their trying to get me to change my mind like...do what i ask it’s your job lady. Am I able to report nurses that are rude also?

Answer

Yes! You can and should always advocate for yourself. You are allowed to say no if you aren’t comfortable with something.

Answer

I've never had such an experience. Whenever I've needed medical intervention, like pitocin, magnesium drip  etc, it was throughly explained to me why. They should never just give you a medication or intervention without your consent, and certainly not without you fully understanding why they're recommending it. If that happens again, and they're not cooperating,  insist that you speak to your dr or the head nurse.

Answer

Girl if there wasn't a reason id kink that iv line so fast and demand an explanation.  In a hospital or not... your body is your body. You can refuse meds, you can refuse being checked often, you can refuse whatever you feel the need to within reason that doesn't put you or the baby in grave danger. I had pitocin to help with my 2nd and after I gave birth one of the nurses gave me a shot in the leg. She did it SO FAST like my legs were still up in position and I was looking over at mt daughter in the warmer. I asked what it was and she was like "its pitocin. We have to use a certain amount of it." I was pissed... like you just gave me a shot just because you're "supposed" to use that much more than what I needed?  I was like uh next time you can shoot that shit in the trash can. Don't inject me with anything else that I don't consent to. She got pissy but I be damned of she gave me any more shots. Like no. Im 100% able minded. Don't try me.

Answer

I guess your best bet in this case would be to ask why you need pitocin in the first place. I needed it because there was meconium in my fluid (baby pooped in the womb) and I only had so many hours to give birth and I wasn't progressing past 3.5 centimeters. If I had denied pitocin I risked a c-section and my daughter having an infection. If they want to give it to you for no reason I would say no. And you have every right to decline treatment you don't want. But if you need it you should do it because the goal is to have a healthy baby. You can report anyone you want if you feel you're not getting proper treatment. Whether the hospital does something with your compliant is another thing. I'm sorry you've had a horrible experience with this particular hospital. Is there any way to can give birth at a different hospital that might give you a better experience this time around?

Can I reduce pitocin?

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