Natural birth at Georgetown

[Anonymous]

I know there was a post on this several months ago, and I am just looking for some new perspectives perhaps from people who've recently delivered at Georgetown. I was recently talking to a doula -- who I met socially -- and she said that it's very difficult to give birth naturally at GT, especially without a doula. We are taking Bradley classes and I really want to give natural birth our best shot, yet be in a hospital for the "what if" scenario. Ladies who've delivered at Georgetown, would you agree that GT makes it difficult to go natural? Any advice for how to handle the medical staff if that's what you want to do? Did anyone use a birth plan asking for minimal drugs/interventions?

[Anonymous]

Yes, you can have natural childbirth at Georgetown! I agree that a doula is instrumental in helping you achieve that goal.

I gave birth without medications at Georgetown with a doula earlier this year. Without her help, I have no doubt I would have arrived at the hospital far too early and opened myself up to the gamut of interventions. After laboring at home together, we arrived when I was very active. Our doula was skilled at communicating with the staff in a professional and appropriate way. Our birth plan was carefully reviewed and approved by the OB on-call. It was a wonderful, low-key experience.

That being said, Georgetown is accustomed to working primarily with high-risk women. The staff is lovely, but did not seem familiar with natural childbirth. So, again, I believe our doula contributed significantly to my ability to labor uninhibited.

We used Heather Wilson as our doula and were very happy with her. She is a special, kind person.

Best of luck to you!