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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Preventing Birth Trauma in Hospital WARNING may be contoversial (sorry)

34 replies

Hoop1234 · 13/01/2013 17:26

Has anyone ever taken in a rape/personal alarm into hospital as a way of preventing birth trauma ?

OP posts:
Pooka · 13/01/2013 17:30

No!

What kind of trauma are you talking about?

I'm really confused. Are you saying that someone might attack you in hospital, or is it that you'd use the alarm if something were actually done when you had explicitly stated not to - like a vaginal examination? But surely saying no explicitly/covering different scenarios in your birth plan would suffice?

NellyBluth · 13/01/2013 17:32

What kind of scenario are you envisaging? Or do you know someone who has done this?

VivaLeBeaver · 13/01/2013 17:41

Birth trauma as far as I'm aware is generally perceived to mean vaginal tears and grazes. Could probably encompass psychological trauma as well. So not sure how a rape alarm would help????

Do you mean sexual assualt by a health professional?

noblegiraffe · 13/01/2013 18:03

What do you think might happen to you that use of a rape alarm would prevent?

NippyDrips · 13/01/2013 18:05

I don't understand how a rape alarm would help, I assumed birth trauma was grazing, tears or cuts due to delivery?

Original poster
Hoop1234 · 13/01/2013 18:31

Hi Again
I'm sorry about the confusion. I meant as in PTSD as a result of lack of informed consent, bullying by healthcare professionals, being left in pain for hours, too much intervention, being over controlled etc

I'm 25 weeks pregnant and I am frightened of being assaulted in this way. Unfortunately I was sexually abused by a GP (unnecessary examinations, breast fondling whilst being examined with a stephoscope) for over 2 years. I only reported it to the police last year (it took 4 hours to give a statement) Even though though the police believed me they did not follow it up (noone else came forward even though I know it happened to others). The GMC did nothing. As a result I suffered PTSD and the mental health profession failed to acknowledge it and despite begging I got none and when I put in a complaint I was bullied to the point of suicide by a narcissistic psychiatrist.

I'm Ok in myself but I'm terrified of it happening again. Because these Drs who abuse continue to practise, there is no regulation by the GMC and to be frank the NHS does not care I have to look after myself. And if that means a rape alarm and recording staff then so be it.

OP posts:
cantheyseeme · 13/01/2013 18:35

If this is making you really anxious by all means take one in with you.

VivaLeBeaver · 13/01/2013 18:39

I don't think a rape alarm would help.

If its any comfort if you're seen by a dr in labour, or for an examination at any other time then there will be a chaperone there. I've never known a dr attempt any sort of intimate examination without one but if this happens then be very firm and tell them to get a chaperone.

I think knowing you're rights and been firm and having someone there as an advocate for you will be more help.

You shouldn't be left for pain in hours, it isn't acceptable. There are some circumstances such as an anaesthetist not been available when you're in labour where you might not get an epidural as quickly as you'd want. But these are rare. If you think you're been fobbed off, not well cared for then you ask to speak to the sister in charge of the ward/shift coordinator immediately.

hazeyjane · 13/01/2013 18:42

do you have a partner or someone to support you during the birth?

TepidCoffee · 13/01/2013 18:43

Have you looked into getting a doula?

PotteringAlong · 13/01/2013 18:43

But what are you going to do with the rape alarm? Set it off if it's an 'over medicalised' birth? Set it off if they leave you alone?

I'm really sorry for your past experience but the reality is that this is extremely unlikely to happen again.

I do think you would be completely out of order to record hospital staff without their knowledge.

Moominsarescary · 13/01/2013 18:48

I think you would be better talking to your mw, making an appointment with the consultant or head of mw on the labour suite so they can write all your concerns in your notes. Also some counselling if you are feeling this anxious.

PaleHousewifeOfCumbriaCounty · 13/01/2013 18:52

You need a doula, not a rape alarm

elizaregina · 13/01/2013 19:27

Definalty talk to your MW about it - and stress your fears.

No one can say whats happening in the NHS at the moment sadly!

Too many cases generally of abuse and neglect.

Research your own hospital - ask people about it - some have feedback on line now....what is the general reputation etc, talk to mw - say you are terrified....ask her what can be done to reassure you....look into other options like doulas...advocates...

and arm yourself with knowledge.

FWIW my own experiences x 2 ( giving birth)was 70% excellent - 30% bad as all staff contradict each other, but nothing traumatic.

NellyBluth · 13/01/2013 19:32

I'm very sorry this happened to you.

During your labour and birth I can't imagine you would ever be alone with a doctor, as you always have a midwife with you (as in, they are always there when examinations etc are happening). A rape alarm might not achieve anything.

I agree that a doula might help a lot. But especially as your experience is on record, ask to see the senior midwife and talk through your concerns and ask them to support you. But a doula would be someone independent who you could get to know beforehand, and who would be entirely on your side during your labour. I think the costs are not as bad as you might think, but if money is tight then you can talk to your local organisation about getting a trainee doula.

Good luck, let us know what you decide to do. You could always start a different thread and ask for experiences from other women who had similar fears or concerns before labour.

JimmysMum1988 · 13/01/2013 19:38

I think a Doula is a good idea.you could also ask for women only? That's what I did xx

stella1w · 13/01/2013 19:43

I suffered ptsd after a bullying midwife. I didn,t find out til aterwards that you can at any stage, even late in the birth ask for a different mw. I wish i had been able to afford an indy mw or a doula. It will be good if someone strong can be your advocate throughout the birth.

noblegiraffe · 13/01/2013 19:57

I think you need to talk this through with your midwife and have your concerns written into your notes. A doula may also be a good idea.

Are you planning on breastfeeding? If you are, then it is worth being aware that if you need help with latching on (which you might well do) then midwives or nurses may need to touch your breasts. Or they may ask to watch a feed to ensure that feeding has been established before you leave the hospital. Obviously for you this might be a very sensitive issue so you need to think carefully about what you want to happen.

TripleRock · 13/01/2013 20:26

Is home birth an option?

NaturalBaby · 13/01/2013 20:57

You've been through a horrible ordeal, but your birth could be a wonderful event that you are totally in control of if you are prepared. I used hypnobirthing and had a home water birth and it was perfect - the mw sat in the corner of the room the whole time, the only time they touched me was to check how dilated I was and to check for tears.

If there are complications then will you be able to consent to medical professionals who need to work quickly?

Fabsmum · 14/01/2013 16:30

You need a doula maybe?

Sorry you've had such a horrible experience with health professionals. Sad Midwives are generally extremely kind and protective of the women in their care. If you tell your midwife about your experience she will do everything she can to help you feel safe in labour.

VisualiseAHorse · 14/01/2013 16:39

I agree....you need a doula, a proper birth partner who will be with you every single step of the way, someone who knows EXACTLY what you do and don't want, and can tell the medical staff.

Emsyboo · 14/01/2013 17:10

I am so sorry to hear about your past experience!

Take your DP and ask to speak to the head of midwives at your hospital tell them your concerns. Because of your PTSD you will be at risk of ante natal depressions and post natal depression so they will need to know this.

You need to be clear about your treatment, you can request always having your DP in the room, you can request no internal exams (remember they are done for a reason) or ask to only have female doctors, midwives treat you. The only problem with this is that in an emergency you may not have an option as it depends on who is on shift and seniority etc. This can all be stated on your notes, women can request certain care for lots of reasons including stress or religious beliefs

Your midwives will be able to advise you further but if you don't feel comfortable with them you can find someone you do feel comfortable with and raise this with the senior midwives.

I agree a doula would be useful if this is an option for you.

I'm not sure a rape alarm would be a good option, if you are on a labour ward it may distress everyone else and newborn babies. There is an alarm in all the rooms and by the beds if you feel uncomfortable you can use that and you should have your birth partner as well to help make sure your wishes are met.

ishchel · 16/01/2013 14:04

you need a doula, possibly a home birth, and possibly an independent midwife. I would speak to AIMS about your concerns. www.aims.org.uk

thebitchbrigade · 16/01/2013 14:08

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