North Shore Manhasset - natural friendly?

Crashing on this board for a friend...

A good friend who is due in Jan just found out she cannot get an epidural because of another health issue. She is now worried about the pain of labor.

She is considering hiring a doula to help her and was wondering if NS Manhasset is friendly to this as well as using things like birthing balls, laboring on all 4, etc. Or is this doctor dependent???

Any advice you can give me i will pass along to her.

TIA!

North Shore Manhasset - natural friendly?

I had a c section there so i can’t speak from experience, but when we toured they showed us the birthing balls and things they had available. During the class we took it seemed like they were pretty good but i think it also depends on your doctor and the nurses on call when you’re there.

North Shore Manhasset - natural friendly?

I think it depends on the doctor. I was only allowed to push laying down, and was told it was hospital policy (insert eye roll).

However, I declined an IV/hep lock no problem, had minimal fetal monitoring, and was allowed to labor on all 4s the second time when I needed to.

That being said, I was only in the hospital for an hour for my first and an hour and a half for my 2nd before they were born.

North Shore Manhasset - natural friendly?

It totally depends on the doctor. They run the show. She should just make sure her doctors and L&D nurses understand her wishes and condition. I had a CS twice but absolutely loved NS Manhasset. Had such great experiences.

North Shore Manhasset - natural friendly?

They are known in the medical community to be pretty pro-intervention. They do not allow privileges to midwives and from what I've heard, they are not too warm to doulas.

I delivered there and actually specifically chose my OB based on the fact that they are so pro-intervention.

So, if your friend just found out she was pregnant I'd say she should maybe look elsewhere. But it sounds like she doesn't have much choice now. I would just be sure her OB knows her situation and that she explains to the nurses as well- specifically saying she cannot get the epidural (not that she's anti-epidural). I would venture to guess that they would not be thrilled about her bringing along a doula. I don't think most doctors/nurses are fans of them but this is especially true in a place that isn't known for being very holistic.

Regardless, it's an excellent hospital and she's in very capable hands.