Baby at a coil fitting appointment

[Greendino90]

Hi all

Is it unreasonable to take my baby to a coil fitting appointment tomorrow?

He’s 11 months old. I ordinarily have great support but for a multitude of (very last minute) unfortunate reasons I don’t have childcare for the appointment.

I’ve been waiting ages for it and really don’t want to cancel but of course will if it’s not appropriate.

I’d just plan to keep him in his buggy but have no idea how long the appointment is likely take.

Please could I have your thoughts?

Thank you

This is what happened to me. Wasn't at all painful during the procedure but my blood pressure bottomed out and I passed out in the car on the way home. Fortunately I'd brought DH with me and he was driving.

This is exactly what happened to me. My young son was a welcome distraction and I think I would've gone to pieces if I hadn't had him with me. I had no choice but to take him, as my entire immediate family were on holiday andy husband was working away.

Yes I have had 3. 2 absolutely fine 3rd traumatic

I also don't mean this to sound prying but if you're having a coil fitted and it's for contraception (I know it's not always) but could your sexual partner not watch your child for the 30 mins it takes?

I've had my baby at my smear and my husband had to take both of ours (2 under 2) to his testicle ultrasound!! No issue at all from the doctors, just hypnotised them with a screen and apologised for the lack of childcare. He works shifts and I work in education so not as easy as just take the morning off and if you get offered an appointment around here you definitely take it!

Good luck OP, I am on my third and final Mirena, I have had to easy, natural labours, but coil fittings, have all been very painful for me, I think perhaps due to the slope of my uterus perhaps, I also have had cervical shock on the only on second Mirena fitting, I wouldn’t have wanted my DS’s with me, but if you don’t have any other options, today, if the surgery allows it go ahead or rebook the appoint. I have had many friends that have been fine with the coil fitting, no pain. Hopefully that will be your experience. But I would take some painkillers before the appt just in case.

It’s a straightforward procedure but it takes time and concentration and for you to be relaxed. That’s all fine if baby is asleep in her pram but if she’s crying or needing entertainment then she will be distracting for both you and the GP. There are also practical issues like the size of the room and whether a buggy can comfortably fit in without causing a problem.

Smears, implants and breast exams are all quicker, less technical procedures and would be less of an issue.

I took mine to a smear test. Was fine.

A smear test isn't in the same league as a coil fitting

Exactly - I know views vary on this but I’m very glad that in my day you could go back on the pill. There’s no way I would ever have had a coil fitted. Sounds painful and you’ve got no control over it.

Sorry - no help to you in the childcare question!! I’m just wondering why so many women are having this.

I took mine. Single mum no other options

He’s booked in to lead a disciplinary so really can’t get away from work

I don’t think it’s ever appropriate to take children to appointments. Whether it’s your health or your hair. But you need to phone and find out what the surgery say.

Yes of course it's fine!!

I'm sure the doctor won't bat an eyelid and would be thrilled to see your baby.

I took mine too, and it was absolutely fine. And they were great with my baby. Let me position the pram next to the bed so we could hold hands during the procedure. I have always taken my kids to smears etc. Never been a problem. Single parent with limited childcare.

Whether it’s allowed or not I wouldn’t. I reacted badly to it being inserted. I nearly fainted, they almost took it out. I wouldn’t want my baby seeing me like that.

Not a problem...why would it be? A baby is hardly goingvto know the doctors are doing a gynae exam.

I would take him. Otherwise you'll have to miss the appointment. I'm sure it happens fairly often.

I took mine as I had no alternative. The nurse put a screen up so they couldn't see anything. It's honestly not a big deal.

I’ve taken mine to smears and coil fittings. Either they’ve sat in the buggy with a snack (if old enough) or chaperone has given them a cuddle! It has never seemed like an issue.

I hope you can take him and like others, I'm surprised so many practises don't allow it.

Women shouldn't be denied contraception and basic healthcare based on a lack of childcare.

I took my 2 year old last year and it was hell sorry. He screamed for me (lovely attachment age) because I was behind the curtain and he couldn't see me. Myself him and the nurse were so stressed that she couldn't complete the procedure so ended up reverting to the implant.

That's really interesting. I'm pretty sure that's what happened to me. I had to stay lying down for ages afterwards and my DH had to come and rescue me because I couldn't drive home. I do have issues with low blood pressure already. I've had similar episodes in other circumstances.

I always took my young DC to all appointments. Not everyone has support. baby is 11 months - what could possibly happen?

Yes but a 2 year old is much more aware and mobile than an 11 month old