Jan 24

“Does She Need A Psychiatrist?”

“Does she need a psychiatrist?” -OB to midwife, when the midwife relayed the mother’s request to have her husband accompany her in the OR during a planned cesarean to help the mother deal with her anxiety over the surgery.

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There are 13 comments to this post.

Vanessa had this to say, Jan 24, 2010 @ 4:37 pm (Quote)

What? Seriously!? I dont see that as an odd request. And after all, most dads want to be there to welcome their baby into the world.

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Jane had this to say, Jan 24, 2010 @ 5:23 pm (Quote)

No, she needs her husband.

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amy had this to say, Jan 24, 2010 @ 5:57 pm (Quote)

I don’t get this one. I think it’s nice the hospital offers a psych doctor for patients who actually suffer from anxiety disorders (which is what, I believe, this doc was asking–not trying to infer that the mother was crazy for wanting her hubby there). That’s a great service to the patients who really need it–kudos to that hospital.

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Chara Reply:
January 24th, 2010 at 6:04 pm Chara(Quote)

I’m with you. Unless he said it very sarcastically it’s not necessarily a rude statement. I think he probably had an obligation to ask, as a physician. Much batter than ignoring the fact that she’s struggling and brushing her off.

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Jill--Unnecesarean Reply:
January 25th, 2010 at 7:49 am Jill--Unnecesarean(Quote)

Really? Offering a psych consult in lieu of or to come to terms with her partner not being allowed to be with her during the birth of their child?

It’s the implication that she must have a legitimate mental or emotional condition for wanting a family member with her for her cesarean.

It’s pathologizing the wrong thing.

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Tiffany had this to say, Jan 24, 2010 @ 7:00 pm (Quote)

Considering what site this is posted on I’m going to take a guess that this was meant sarcastically or at least callously.

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Anonymous had this to say, Jan 24, 2010 @ 9:50 pm (Quote)

Because being nervous over major abdominal surgery obviously means you’re mentally ill…

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Lauren had this to say, Jan 24, 2010 @ 10:04 pm (Quote)

That is so callous!! I’m revolted. And as someone who HAD a C-section, I can attest to how scary it is. *sigh*

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Naomi had this to say, Jan 25, 2010 @ 4:24 am (Quote)

As useful as mental health professionals are they are no substitute for a comforting family member.

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stella had this to say, Jan 25, 2010 @ 10:33 am (Quote)

hi,

this is my story. Not had the c-section yet – hoping baby stays put for another 6 weeks for it.
I’m currentlyliving in the Middle East – some hospitals here have some very ‘arabic’ rules and it means no husbands allowed….
When I explained to the OB that was an issue for me, thta I was rather anxious about the procedure and wanted my husband there he suggested I see a psych for my anxiety issues.
I don’t need a shrink. I need the support of my husband during that stressful operation / miracle of birth.
It was a very unnecessary and stupid thing to say.
Thankfully the midwife rescued me and found me another OB…
Fingers crossed the baby comes as planned! If we go into early labour / emergency c-section I’ll have to deal with all these issues again!!!

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Heather P Reply:
January 25th, 2010 at 1:39 pm Heather P(Quote)

Hope the baby stays in there and the hospital staff doesn’t give you trouble about your husband being there for your child’s birth.
Hugs to you and happy birthing!

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Jane Reply:
January 25th, 2010 at 3:45 pm Jane(Quote)

Any chance you can tell them your husband is a psychiatrist, and the psychiatrist insists on being present for the birth to help you cope with your anxiety?