Induction should I ask to see my notes

[wigglerose]

I was induced in January because I was overdue (only 1 week by my calculation but 2 by the antenatal service). My body just wasn't ready for labour as I'd had no indications that labour was starting and it was a long, miserable trainwreck of sn experience. One thing that sticks in my mind is that my waters were broken and it was so excruciatingly painful I had to have an epidural. I don't understand why it hurt so much. No-one warned me and goiglibg it says it is uncomfortable.

Has anyone else had that problem? Should I ask to see my notes? I feel like I have so many questions.

I was also induced and I think they are generally more painful labours than natural ones, as like you said your body isn’t always ready. You do have the right to refuse an induction though and any aspect such as breaking your waters, there should always be a choice. I know sometimes it may not feel that way as they are quite pushy.

I think a lot of people feel overwhelmed by the pain and the trauma that comes with childbirth. I’m not sure what seeing your notes may benefit you but you could ask for a debrief and maybe some post birth counselling for trauma if you feel like it’s playing on your mind? Maybe that would help you feel more at ease with your labour and how it went? X

I had a horrible induction. I had a debrief with a senior midwife and she acknowledged they did alot wrong, which made me feel validated and listened to. It did help deal with my emotions and prepare for my second baby, so I would recommend talking through it with them.

Why not request a birth afterthoughts session with your maternity unit/hospital? I did this after a traumatic induction and it helped a lot, they go through your notes with you rather than you just reading them probably partly so you can understand all the acronyms and terminology but also so that you can’t take them away and risk a law suit (maybe).

Yes, ask for your notes and schedule a de-brief for when you’ve had a chance to review them (or ask them to talk you through the notes then)

I refused them breaking my waters because the vaginal exams were so painful. It turns out they were giving me sweeps every time even though they knew they had accidentally nicked my cervix at the initial attempt to insert the balloon. I also wasn’t effaced at all so knew breaking waters could be painful too

@FrangipanFlower

Why not request a birth afterthoughts session with your maternity unit/hospital? I did this after a traumatic induction and it helped a lot, they go through your notes with you rather than you just reading them probably partly so you can understand all the acronyms and terminology but also so that you can’t take them away and risk a law suit (maybe).

Everyone can request a copy of their notes under freedom of information