Kathy Dettwyler post revealing that the AAP's video in conjunction
with J&J was done of unmedicated infants is one the best pieces of
information I have received.  If still available, I intend to buy
a couple of copies to lend out.

26 years ago I had to adamantly refuse an epidural each time I went
in for my monthly prenatal visit.  Finally about the 4th time I
practically had to tell the doc off.  I was totally exasperated
with him on this subject and told the doc in no uncertain terms to
never bring the word epidural up again.  Then I took my husband
along for the very next visit to reiterate it.  The doc kept saying
he gave it to all his first time moms.  "Yeh, so what!" was my response.

How many women are told they may refuse an epidural?  I was 27 when
I had my first and had a history of monthly migraines.  Plus I wasn't
going to lie flat on my back for 24 hours as was proposed back then.
If conscious, I utterly refuse to use a bedpan.

Epidurals are a subject that I think women get bushwhacked with--and
probably when they have prenatal visits alone.  I hit it early on
and got it squared away.  Near term when I had brain fade was not
the time to discuss this.

My husband took my side.  My husband knew me and the doc didn't.
He was also of the mind that the doctor "worked for us" and not the
other way around.  Final payment was a check was handed the doc they
both exited the delivery room.  It was an out of pocket birth and my
husband covered the rest of the bill right then and there and said
"good job."  The doc was in shock as to how the payment was handled.
But he had respect for us as a couple and agreed to be backup with my
next birth at home.  We're the only family he conceded to on this.

But I had to fight for my choice to say "no."  Seems it used to be
women had to fight to get pain medication.  Being educated about
choices is the issue here.  I really wish the unmedicated birth
video Kathy speaks of were mandatory viewing prior to every birth to
help this "choice" along.  The fathers especially would be prone to
help in birth support if they knew the difference it made in the baby.
Judy Ritchie

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