Many moms in the Atlanta area who plan on a natural birth experience give birth at North Fulton Regional Hospital in Roswell. I had a client who drove the 30 miles from in-town Atlanta just to work with one of the amazing midwives who work there. The hospital has at least one (perhaps two) full birthing tubs. Not just the usual too-small hospital tub, though I have seen a birth happen in one of those little tubs, but a big tub in the middle of the room just for having a water birth. It’s a great place for natural birth if you are not having a home birth.
So, there are lots of natural-minded mama’s giving birth there, and having great experiences with that part of things. Then, unbeknown to them, the institution of modern birth rears it’s ugly head. I have a first-hand report from a lactation consultant on staff there that many babies are given bottles of formula – EVEN IF THE BABY’S BASSINET CARD SAYS NO BOTTLES! The couples have just had a great natural birth and then are not told that their baby had formula against their wishes. The lactation consultants have to deal with the dangerous ramifications, such as delayed nursing, nipple confusion (it takes only one bottle in many cases), choking on formula… all of these cause interruption and frustration for the nursing relationship, possibly causing delay in milk production and mother-baby bonding. Other moms are being scared into formula supplementing, which is a certain death threat to a healthy breastfeeding start.
If you are planning on a water/natural birth at North Fulton Regional, do not let your newborn out of your room, or out of your sight. And make sure you see Lottie before you check out, she’s great!
Posted by Jenn Purdy, CLd
