I recently spoke with a woman who was 31 weeks pregnant with her second baby. Although she had no complications with her first delivery and delivered a nearly 10 lb baby naturally, her ObGyn is concerned about another big baby and keeps mentioning that she should schedule an induction a week before her due date. This mom wants to deliver naturally and has no interest in an induction, but she’s afraid to speak up to her ObGyn. She is nervous that her ObGyn will drop her as a patient, or that he will force her to be induced. Now, this may sound silly, but it’s a very real fear and it’s too common, especially in NYC. Why not state your birthing preferences? Why are we afraid of medical practitioners?
Whether you want to deliver naturally, have a scheduled c-section or an epidural, it’s your body, your baby, and your preferences should be honored, period. Things may not go as you planned in childbirth, but if you don’t discuss your plan with your birthing team, you will never know if they’re agreeable or not. If you’re not comfortable enough to speak honestly with your practitioners, or if they are not willing to honor your birthing preferences, perhaps you should find a new practice.
