Got smacked by a nurse!

[Doula_Steph]

The Mama I was working with was getting quite winded (primip, 8lb posterior baby)during pushing. When she had pushed her wee one "around the corner" and she was saying she can't feel any progress I took her hand and touched her fingers to her babies head. Just as she smiled the nurse smacked my hand then pushed it away!
Right at that moment she got a second wind pushed wee girl out (without the vacuum she was told would be necessary).
There were other aspects to this birth that were wonderful and pwerful for this family but not without substantial self advocacy.
anyhow, just feeling a little wierd about being smacked! Feeling a little giddy and giggly, at the same time miffed.
Anyone else had this happen?

[amyfarr]

Wow is that out of line IMO. Can't wait to hear what others have to say.

[momofmany]

I....don't......know what to say. Maybe she was PMSing....

[FLLucinda]

It's called assult. Surely she wasn't thinking sterile environment.

[Doula Janeya]

Not to mention is there anyone else in the room she would have dared to have slapped?
Did she seem to have an issue with you before that?

[Stacie]

Sounds like some passive/aggressiveness on the nurse's part; finally there is something she can let you know is in her control, not yours -- the vagina, lol. I like to have a really good talk about advocacy and being a "good" patient beforehand. In this situation, knowing I would have had this conversation before birth, I would have told the mama, "Reach down and find where your baby is."

I really can't believe that. I do not think any complaining would help change the sitatuation -- afterall, we are so often considered outsiders in the hospital.

[Doula_Steph]

Yes, this nurse had already told my client she was ridiculous for not taking the epi, and that she didn't like doulas before i even arrived. We were chastised for pushing on hands and knees too.

[BabyBumpLisa]

ouch! That nurse sounds like a

I'm glad that touching the baby enabled that mom to push out her baby w/o the vacuum! WTG!

[doulajamie]

One of the things I review with clients in prenatals is the right and responsibility to have a supportive birth team. I also discuss changing care providers (drs, mw, nurse, and doula) at ANY point in the process. I talk specifically in my childbirth classes about situations where you might ask for a change of nurses and how to do it appropriately. If the client isn't happy with the nurse, I role play how to talk to the clinical supervisor and to advocate for herself.

I guess my first thought was if you have a nurse that has verbalized she doesn't like doulas and doesn't prefer natural childbirth, why not ask for a change?

BTW--I think it was highly inappropriate and unprofessional for the nurse to smack your hand. Personally, I would consider writing a letter to the Nursing Supervisor addressing concerns and future relationships.

[NurturedBellyDoula]

Kind of reminds me when i "unofficially" doula'd (well i'm not certified) my 13yr old sister's birth. The nurse almost wanted to smack me but i think I would have done it first lol =). You should definitely write something to her supervisor. She shouldnt have done and I feel that there's no excuse for that.

[DoulaWendy]

Smacking is never ever appropriate, ever. She could just have easily have asked you not to do that.

I'd write a letter to complain to her supervisor and the hospital admin. There is no way she should be allowed to get away with that. Who the hell does she think she is hitting her patient's advocate? That's BS!

Editing to add: If I was still working as an Respiratory Therapist at my old hospital and I smacked a patient's visitor's hand I would have been in loads of trouble and most likely lost my job.

[MissMamey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stacie Sounds like some passive/aggressiveness on the nurse's part; finally there is something she can let you know is in her control, not yours -- the vagina, lol.

I can't believe that she hit you! I think that it is good that you just "rolled with the punches" though lol, no pun intended. No use getting upset during the mothers birth. Sheesh.

[justyours]

No one has the right to put their hands on you. Ever.

[sunshine]

Quote:

Originally Posted by doulajamie I guess my first thought was if you have a nurse that has verbalized she doesn't like doulas and doesn't prefer natural childbirth, why not ask for a change?

absolutely, next time ask for a different nurse. and do alert the supervisor, with a well-written letter. if no one calls you, i would request a meeting w/ the super. this nurse needs to know she can't hit people. (except maybe HERSELF)

[sunshine]

i had a doctor "pat" me on the head once (i was kneeling down at the moment).....i roll w/ the punches pretty well too, but i nearly came unglued. so completely unprofessional. respect for everyone in the room, all the time, is the only professional thing to do.