Olivia's Birth Experience at Hospital Doce de Octubre
Updated: Apr 9, 2021
Olivia* gave birth at Hospital Doce de Octubre in 2015 to her first child. She chose this hospital because it was the closest to where she lived and she had heard good things about it from others and her midwife.
Olivia's Story:
Arrived at hospital 3cm dilated. Contractions were slow and not much was happening.
I was given Oxytocin which I didn't really know what was going to do to me and not actually sure they asked for my consent to give it to me. Contractions became very painful and I asked for an epidural. Epidural was administered by a trainee doctor so it took a long time and several attempts I seem to remember.
Continued to dilate without problems. During birth I was given an Episiotomy, I don't actually remember if they told me they were going to do that or not. Vaginal birth with no complications but not what I had imagined it to be like.
As far as I can remember all medical staff during the birthing experience treated me well but perhaps they didn't really explain what they were doing.
Did you feel supported in your chosen method of feeding your baby?
Yes, I breast fed and the staff at the hospital were very supportive.
Did you have a doula? If yes, how was the experience? If no, how do you think having a
doula may have changed your experience?
No. I think having a doula I would have done things differently. I wanted to be up and walking around not lying in bed during the early stages. Maybe that would have helped with the contractions/dilating and I wouldn't have had to have the Oxytocin.
I think having a doula I would have asked for more explanation and felt more confident putting my foot down and making decisions. I just kind of went along with whatever happened/was done to me.
Thank you Olivia (name changed for privacy) for sharing your story so others might learn more about giving birth in Madrid!
If you'd like to share your birth story in Madrid (hospital or home birth!), please do so here.
Giving birth in Madrid or a new mom in Madrid? Looking for support on the wild ride called parenthood?
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Giving birth is one of the most vulnerable moments in a person's life. There are many factors to consider at all times. The support of a doula from home to hospital adds an additional layer of support for both the birthing person and partner. Continuous care and individualized support both increase the likelihood of satisfaction with one's birth experience, regardless of the birth outcome (C-section, instrumental birth, etc).