A very notable difference about our birth experience in Atlanta and London is the selection process of doctors. At least in regards to the order in which things are done. In Atlanta, we chose a practice of midwives that matched birthing philosophy, YET, the midwives were practicing at a hospital that didn’t match our philosophy… although we were ultimately successful in our mission, these philosophical difference turned out to be rather counterproductive, which will become more apparent as The Birth Experience continues.
However, in London, we simply picked a hospital that shared our birthing philosophy, and in turn, the hospital staff who shared our philosophy just happened to be part of the deal. A concept, at least for me, seems to be extremely productive.
The relationship between practice and hospital as two separate entities either in tolerance or contention of each other’s methods, as in the States, does not exists since in London these two entities are one in the same.
This relationship became very apparent when, due to our late booking status, the midwives requested we meet with one of the hospitals “Consultant Obstetricians”. First, I should point out the term “Consultant” is given to the highest level of doctors in the UK. Second, doctors of his level abandoned the formalities of white jackets and titles like “Dr. Gupta”. Third, they live up to their position as “consultants” rather than dictators... I mean doctors.
Our consultant actually greeted us in the waiting room and personally took us to his office. Please note my choice of words: “Office”. Not, examination room, but “office”. Although there were some examination equipment present in his office. We all sat, talked and got to know each other. The consultant took a very quick history of Serena’s first successful birth, listened to Gilliam’s heart beat, and assured Serena she would be very happy and have a very successful second birth no matter how she chose to deliver.
Most importantly, the consultant answered Serena’s 100 million dollar question beautifully. At the time, Gilliam was not in the correct position… so Serena threw out a question regarding hospital policy and breach births. Since most medical schools, in the States, no longer teach more complicated natural childbirth techniques, breach births and delivery of twins almost always end in c-sections, and hospitals are pretty up front about their opinions in the matter.
But, rather than visiting that topic directly, our consultant first listed all the various options and techniques that can be used in aiding a more complicated health delivery, both naturally and surgically. He admitted that the hospitals stance on the issue was that of a c-section, but he also noted his personal feelings on the matter was not in line with the hospital boards… and basically told us that it was our birth and that we had complete and total control over it. If Gilliam progressed as a breach baby (which he wasn’t) the hospital would in no way force her to have a c-section since all of their staff is also trained on alternative natural delivery methods.
In the end, Serena walked away very happy and confident… and the experience of meeting the consultant was one of the most refreshing medical experiences of my life.
Second, or course, to my wisdom teeth extraction fiasco… which is another story for another time.
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