Yackety yack.

Don't talk back?  So recently, we went to the OB for our first sonogram.  Following the big to-do, we had some "quality time" getting to know our Dr's nurse practicioner. it started with her questions...then ours...

Me: so, is theere any extra paperwork or anything we need to fill out to make sure we can take our placenta home?
Nurse: What?  Why would you want to do that?
M: to have it encapsulated
N: what is that?
(okay, why all the questions, just tell me yes or no, right?)
M: well there is some anecdotal evidence that it may prevent post-partum depression.  I am a fan of that.
N: we'll just have to see what the doctor thinks.

now wait a minute here. Really.  We have to see what the doctor thinks?  Why?  Why don't we just tell me what extra legwork needs to be done. because it doesn't matter if you agree or not with this approach, this is what we want.
moving on...

N: how do you feel about induction
M: well, we would only do that if it was medically necessary
N: well, we induce EVERYONE.
M: We want our baby to be safe, but we would like to avaoid induction if we can. I really worry about the unnatural strength and cycles of the contractions with induction as well as other complications.
N: listen, a contraction is a contraction. induction won't make a difference. induction is best.

WHAT?!  When did this lady get the piece of paper that makes her my medical power of attorney?  Don't I get to have a say in what is best?

N: so how do you feel about an epidural?
M: I do not want an epidural. I want to feel to push.
N: *chuckling* we'll see about that. you can feel with an epidural.

Don't even get me started on our discussion about midwives in the maternity ward.

This whole situation made me feel super nervous and crazy. I mean, this nurse's approach is EXACTLY why I want to have a natural childbirth. I don't want to be under the influence and have some whack job deciding what they think is the right thing in the moment. I want to decide what is getting cut, drugged and stitched.

ABSOLUTELY, I want what is safest for the little babe. If that means I have to get all drugged, get cut open like a fish and am half asleep, then so be it. That being said, if this is a healthy low risk pregnancy, then why all the intervention?  My body was specifically designed for this purpose, why do we have to throw all the extras in? 

I think that there is a problem in this entire approach. I am an intelligent, well informed human being. I work in the medical field. Why is it that someone else feels it is at all appropriate to go any further than explaining options and offereing me choices?  I cannot imagine ever treating my patients in the way I was treated.  And worse, it seems to be the routine.