Childbirth/Giving Birth

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Expert: - 11/27/2009


Question
Well im currently 25weeks into my pregnancy and im due around march which my mother will be away for and im only 16 will the hospital let me discharge my baby myself? IF not Can my older sister discharge my baby for me?And will they try to take my baby away from me?

Answer
Hi Aqua,

The laws vary by state, and unfortunately, legal issues are not my area of expertise.

I would suggest that you call your local hospital and ask for the Labor and Delivery unit (or have your mother or sister call), explain your situation, and ask them what your rights are concerning yourself and your baby. Ask them, "What would I need to do to discharge myself and my baby if my mother is not available?"  

Some of our experts in the Teen Pregnancy forum http://en.allexperts.com/q/Teen-Pregnancy-862/ may be able to give you more insight into your situation.  

I wish you the best with the rest of your pregnancy and your birth.

Dorothy H, LCCE

Childbirth

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Dorothy H, LCCE

Expertise

As a certified childbirth educator and birth doula, I can answer questions dealing with preparing for birth, childbirth classes, pregnancy, what happens during labor and birth, doulas, VBAC, natural childbirth, cesarean birth, interventions in labor, labor, birth, helping someone through labor, concerns or fears about labor and birth, doulas, breastfeeding, and other topics dealing with pregnancy, labor, and birth.

Experience

Since 2004, I have taught childbirth education classes focused on helping couples gain confidence, make decisions for their birth, and give them tools for helping them get the birth they want. Since 2004, I have also attended births in local hospitals as a birth doula (as of 8/10, I have attended 120 births) so I am able to see firsthand what is working in helping couples deal with labor. I am also a mom of five children, and have various birth experiences myself, including unmedicated birth and a cesarean.

Organizations
Lamaze International DONA International

Publications
International Doula Magazine

Education/Credentials
I am a Lamaze-certified childbirth educator. I am a DONA-certified birth doula.

Past/Present Clients
I work with approximately 4-6 couples a month with my childbirth classes. I attend 2 births a month with doula clients.

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