Can you really refuse a forcep delivery? (UK)

[lauren10]

Agreed with Clare. Birthing plans are fine if you know they may (and very possibly won't) happen exactly the way you want. If you go in with a flexible attitude, things will go better for you.

I didn't want forceps used either, but you come upon situations during labor that can throw all your previous plans to the wind!

My daughter was so close to being out...she was progressing down the canal, and they could see her head with each push.. But, we kept losing her heart beat because the cord was around her neck and tightening with each push. A c-section was no way an option with her head stuck way in the canal like that and her heart rate dropping. It would have taken so much longer to prep me for a c-section (even if it could be done with her that far down, I don't know).

All I cared about was them getting her out and getting that cord off her neck! I trusted the doctor with that decision. Yes...it was a very rough process pulling her out...the episiotomy sucked, and she had a little red mark on her face that went away quickly. I think a little bruise is a good compromise for being able to get oxygen!!

At the time you'll want to do what's best for your baby. if there is a GOOD reason to use forceps, you probably won't care about some temporary bruises.

 

[feeble]

generally forceps are only needed after an epidural hasnt worn off for long enough for the mother to push effectively x

Also having an epidural means you are stuck down on a bed and your movement is restricted x

so if you want a natural birth and are worried about forceps, best to avoid the epidural x

 

[beccad]

Just to put this in some sort of context, in 2010, only only 6.1% of babies in England were born using forceps. You can look up your local hospital on on the Birth Choice UK website https://www.birthchoiceuk.com/

 

[lauren10]

generally forceps are only needed after an epidural hasnt worn off for long enough for the mother to push effectively x

Also having an epidural means you are stuck down on a bed and your movement is restricted x

so if you want a natural birth and are worried about forceps, best to avoid the epidural x

I don't think that's true. here they don't even stop the epidural during pushing. I had it in full effect until after the baby was out and I was stitched up...I was able to push her *almost* out on my own...(until the cord around her neck was a problem)

 

[feeble]

that still doesnt change the fact that you are more likely to need forceps if you have had an epidural, regardless of what your one personal experience was x

 

[kmbabycrazy]

I think it's more likely in women who have been labouring for a long time as when your body gets tired contractions can stop meaning baby is stuck in the birth canal which means they are not getting as much oxygen and get distressed because they are squished

 

[Wildfire81]

My husband is blind in his left eye thanks to a forceps delivery in the late 1970's. I will refuse if I ever have a regular birth.

 

[feeble]

I think it's more likely in women who have been labouring for a long time as when your body gets tired contractions can stop meaning baby is stuck in the birth canal which means they are not getting as much oxygen and get distressed because they are squished

But this is far more likely to happen if the mother cannot move around during labour, if you have an epi, you cannot move around to get into the best position to birth your baby which is NEVER on your back...

So actually i would say its quite a good rule of thumb that if you dont want forceps, you should try and remain as mobile as possible at the end and during labour so your body can move itself into the right position

 

[Charlie_x]

See thats why i would never have an epidural because your chances are increased for an assided delievery or c section i know they can still happen with just gas and air too but the chances are a lot less!

I would also like to say that i do have written on my birth plan

"I am happy to change anything in my birth plan that may need changing during labour if the midwife believes it is in Lily’s best interest. – I am aware that complications may arise and if I’m not able to make any decisions for myself I wish for my husband to make them on my behalf & I know he will with best intentions for Lily."

and the bit about the forceps i have put (as i said on the other pages id written my preferance in my birthing plan)

"* I would like as little intervention as possible, this includes forceps/ventouse I also wish to avoid an episiotomy – I have had a previous tear and would rather tear naturally than be cut."


But if it came down to a matter of life and death then obviously i would have a forceps delievery at the drop of a hat all that matters is baby is safe and if thats the only way that baby can be safe then so be it!

 

[Drazic<3]

I wouldn't want another section, honestly I'd rather have forceps. They wanted to use them when Moo was in distress but she disengaged entirely so it was a no go. They really don't seem to be as commonly used as everyone feels, and normally as has been said they only use them when they have to - aka - it's quicker than a section if baby is distressed. Otherwise they will go with the ventouse.

Can I give you some advice from my experience? Please don't set your heart on anything, and don't feel it will be bad before it has even started. There is a very good chance you won't need any emergency assistance, most women don't! And if you do they will talk through your options with you. My imagination of a beautiful natural birth and my actuality of a horrible emergency section caused my birth trauma, rather than the experience itself if that makes sense? Go with the flow, for the majority there are no problems at all

Make sure you talk it through with your midwife though