Mixed management of third stage?

[Thankyouthankyoujellybean]

Has anyone experienced mixed management of the third stage of labour? I've had active management twice but the second time was awful, I begged them to stop pulling on the cord but they kept going. The rest of the birth was fine but I'm really stuck on how awful I found the management of the third stage.

I'm considering requesting the injection, which I had no issue with, and then nothing else. Any thoughts?

Absolutely no one should be 'pulling' on your umbilical cord, let alone when you've asked them to stop!

In a home setting up to three hours is considered normal for the placenta to release (as long as there's no heavy bleeding and you feel well). How long did they give you?

The placenta needs the same conditions as birth to release, you need the oxytocin to keep flowing. Lots of skin to skin, baby at the breast and certainly not to be bothered and tugged at.

Nothing wrong with having pitocin for the third stage especially if having it will make you feel more relaxed. That's the most important thing.

You need to have a discussion with your midwife or consultant about their guidance for 3rd stage management in hospital and community settings. You don't have to have the injection (oxytocin or syntometrine) if you choose to decline it. If you have risk factors for bleeding or have an induction involving oxytocin/prostaglandin it will be part of that recommendation due to increased bleeding risk. You can change your mind at the point of delivery either way. If you say no to any intervention nothing should be done without your consent. You have the right to say no to anything and this should be supported however you need to understand the risks/benefits to you. I think a discussion about your last birth and why you weren't listened to is important too.

The 'pulling' is called CCT - controlled cord traction. It is commonly part of standard practice following oxytocin for 3rd stage with signs of placental separation. It requires consent as does every single thing during your care. Often women can deliver their placenta through maternal effort, CCT is useful where they are unable to do so.

This is some great knowledge, thank you both. My last birth was in Australia and attitudes were a little different to what I'd expect here i.e. the professionals know best. They were very kind and patient throughout, but the midwives cheerfully admitted afterwards that they had lied to me at one point. I wouldn't expect that in the NHS.

I'm 39 so for age reasons I suppose I'm slightly more at risk of haemorrhage. I'll take @Fispi 's advice and have an in-depth discussion with my midwife when I next see her. Until then I will try to stop obsessing about what should be a very minor aspect of giving birth!