Protesters negotiating with DeKalb hospital after halt on water births
A group of expectant mothers are trying to get on the same page with DeKalb Medical following the hospital’s decision to discontinue water births and rumors of other shake-ups in birthing procedures.
Exactly what led the hospital, located off Church Street in Decatur, to halt water births isn’t clear. The medical center announced Saturday it was “examining best practices for water births to make sure all such deliveries are consistent with the highest quality and standards of care.”
The news upset some local pregnant women, as did reports that a popular doctor who practiced other specialized birthing proceedures was no longer working at DeKalb Medical. A group of expectant mothers organized on Facebook and began writing letters to hospital leaders and planning a protest for Friday morning.
But by Wednesday afternoon, at least some of the controversy apparently had died down after a meeting with hospital staff. It was unclear whether the protest would go forward.
The hospital didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.
In a statement to Channel 2 Action News on Tuesday, DeKalb Medical said it understood the water births announcement caused "some confusion and concerns."
“Our staff is working with expectant mothers to ensure their choices are respected and their concerns are heard," the statement said.
The hospital also stressed that pre-approved birthing plans are being fulfilled and “some exceptions” may be made to the water birth ban.
About the Author
