Hi all,
I've been reading with horror your birth stories, all I can say is "come to
Australia!"

I work as a midwife in a large teaching hospital, averaging 1400 deliveries
per year.
When 'our' ladies come in, we do everything, the doctor merely pops his head
in to say hello, and does a medical admission.
Should a mother request an epidural, we discuss options, but it is certainly
not denied to her, if thats what she chooses. Even with an epidural (we run
infusions), they normally deliver without any problems. Usually need and
indwelling catheter tho.
As soon as full sensation returns (usually within 2 hours), IDC and IVT are
removed.

Our C/S rate is around 12-15%, we would do maybe 3 instrumental
deliveries/month (out of over 100 clients).
Episiotomies are very rare, maybe one every 2-3 months, most tears are small
first degree, often not requiring sutures. We pride ourselves on our
perineums!
Some of our midwives also suture tears, thereby eliminating the need for
doctors even more.

I guess we are very fortunate in that we have a good team of Drs, who have
confidence in us. Certainly, if we are concerned about the progress of
labour, or have other concerns, the Drs are there, often, if alls well,
they'll say just to give more time and see.
Often works!

Babies are delivered onto mum's tummy, the only time they leave their
parents loving arms is to be weighed and measured (HC and Length). We give
Konakion, often whilst baby is still with Mum (depends on parents wishes),
but  have never heard of eye ointments etc.
Suctioning is done on a needs basis, certainly in the presence of meconium,
but often not otherwise.

All babies are b/f in the birthing suite before mum showers and goes back to
her bed.(Often walking, pushing baby's cot!)
We never give a comp. feed without mums (soon to be written) consent, don't
provide dummies (pacifiers). Most babies have never been given a bottle,
some of us midwives cup feed if extra is necessary, usually expressed breast
milk, maybe plain water if we need to give extra fluids (not usual). This is
the exception rather than the rule in our hospital.

Now for the down side:
Unfortunately, we feel our induction rate is still too high though- about
3-4/week. Inductions are done with Prostin gel,  followed by rupturing
membranes next morning, +/- IV Syntocinon. Of course there is a higher
incidence of edipurals with these 'unnatural labours", but not many
instrumental deliveries.

Sorry to upset everyones day, but couldn't resist a brag!
Happy hunting!
Susan in wet Australia, where some are being ravaged by floods
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