Q&A: Can You Decline Procedures Even if It Is “Hospital Policy”?

Question by ♥ Her ♥: Can you decline procedures even if it is “hospital policy”?
I am 38 weeks pregnant and could give birth any day really. The hospital I will be giving birth in is a military facility, as my husband is in the army. Part of their routine care is the use of the drug pitocin after I have pushed baby out to help clamp down the uterus and expel the placenta, it can also help stop hemmorhaging. Well I dont want to recieve pitocin unless it becomes necessary-like the placenta doesnt come out on its own or I start to bleed. I dont want it to be given without reason. But its “hospital policy” and I was told “you dont have a choice”. But do I? I mean, if I say no, can they really give it to me without my consent?
Yea, like I said, if it becomes necessary, then I will get it, but they like to do it immediately after the baby is out, not giving your body a chance to even try it on its own.

Best answer:

Answer by tiamai
You can refuse it like you can refuse any medication.

Have you thought about a compromise? You only want it if say an hour passes and you haven’t delivered the placenta naturally?

ETA,

Make sure your birth partner is aware of your plans and that they will speak up and make sure that you are not bullied into anything. Just after giving birth your doing well if you can remember your own name never mind have a debate with a health care worker on the pros and cons of pitocin! Best of luck!

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