Case Study: Labor And Delivery

In August 2013, a 38-week multiparous woman was admitted to the Labor and Delivery unit for an induction of labor. During her initial admission she presented a birth plan that included the details of what her and her husband wanted their birth experience to consist of. Prior to her induction she discussed her desire to vaginally birth her twins if conditions were permitted. Her obstetrician explained to her that a C-section was medically unnecessary, and that he would have no problem vaginally delivering her twins. Although she discussed her willingness to have a C-section because of her multiparous condition, her questions regarding cesarean sections went unanswered with no comment other than a C-section is medically unnecessary. Upon induction, the mother was connected to a fetal heart rate monitor, contraction monitor, and blood pressure …show more content…
for delivery. The first baby was delivered without complications, and the mother’s birth plan expectations were met. Upon delivery of the second baby, the provider informed the mother that he would instruct her when to and not to push because of the baby’s breech presentation. Once delivery was in motion, no other words were spoken between the provider, the mother, her partner, and all other health care professionals in the room. There were several people in the O.R. and classic rock was playing in the background, despite her birth plan requests for privacy and quiet reflection. On several occasions the mother asked if she should be pushing and how the baby was doing; her questions went unanswered. Delivery was complicated by a shoulder dystocia that resulted in fetal demise; ultimately, the baby was delivered by cesarean section. Several personal were sited running in and out of the room, but the mother was never addressed. The mother had absolutely no control over her birth experience and was unable to gain any sense of presence during the birth of her second