Over the years, practicing as a Hypnobirthing Teacher and supporting many mothers in overcoming trauma and the grief that comes from experiencing a difficult labour and birth, I realised that what is absolutely central to helping people overcome the challenges that can arise when navigating such a tender part of our lives - especially through services that are not always fit for purpose - is recognising, educating and advocating for human rights in childbirth, alongside the power of informed decision-making during pregnancy.
In this blog post, we delve into these critical issues and emphasise the importance of empowering expectant parents through knowledge and advocacy.
Understanding Human Rights in Childbirth
Human rights in childbirth encompass the right to respectful, dignified care and the autonomy to make informed decisions about your own body and birth experience. These rights are grounded in the broader context of human rights, which include the right to health, the right to be free from discrimination, and the right to be free from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
Unfortunately, many expectant parents still encounter violations of these rights. These can manifest as disrespectful or abusive treatment by healthcare providers, lack of informed consent, coercion into certain medical procedures, and inadequate access to necessary healthcare services. Recognising these issues is the first step towards advocating for better care and ensuring that childbirth is a positive and empowering experience.
The Importance of Informed Decision-Making
Informed decision-making in childbirth means that parents are fully educated about their options, the risks and benefits of various interventions, and are supported in making choices that align with their values and preferences. This approach is crucial for several reasons:
Empowerment: When parents are well-informed, they are better equipped to advocate for themselves and their babies. This sense of control can significantly reduce anxiety and improve the overall birth experience.
Improved outcomes: Research shows that informed and engaged parents are more likely to experience positive health outcomes. They are better prepared to make timely and appropriate decisions, potentially reducing the likelihood of unnecessary interventions and complications.
Respect and dignity: Informed decision-making respects the autonomy and dignity of the birthing person. It shifts the dynamic from a paternalistic model of care to a partnership, where healthcare providers and parents work collaboratively.
Strategies for Informed Decision-Making
Education: Comprehensive childbirth education classes can provide parents with the knowledge they need to make informed choices. Topics should include the ins and outs of a physiological birth process and how to create an environment that is conducive to natural birth, movement and biomechanics, birth place options, comfort management options, common medical interventions, and postpartum care.
Birth plans: Creating a birth plan allows you to articulate your preferences and discuss them with your healthcare provider. While flexibility is important, having a plan can help you feel more prepared and in control.
Open communication: Encouraging open, honest communication with healthcare providers is crucial. You should feel comfortable asking questions and discussing your concerns without fear of judgment or coercion.
Support systems: Building a strong support network, including partners, family, friends, and possibly a doula, can provide emotional and practical support throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
Advocacy: Understanding your rights and having the confidence to advocate for them is essential. This might involve seeking second opinions, choosing a provider who respects informed choice (yes you can ask for a different midwife or consultant if you are not feeling supported).
The Role of Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers play a critical role in facilitating informed decision-making. They must prioritise clear communication, provide unbiased information, and respect the choices of the birthing person. Training in respectful maternity care and cultural competence can help providers better support a women-centred approach and address disparities in maternal health outcomes.
Key Takeaways
Human rights in pregnancy and childbirth, and informed decision-making are cornerstones of respectful and empowering maternity care. By advocating for these principles, I strive to create a world where every parent has the knowledge, support, and autonomy to experience childbirth with dignity and confidence. Together, one birth at a time, we can pave the way for healthier, happier perinatal journeys and push for improvements in maternity services.
Additional Resources:
Click here to get access to Birthrights' factsheets providing you with the latest information on your rights in pregnancy and childbirth, where they come from in law, and how they are backed up in guidance. Birthrights also offers free online support.
Browse my website for more information about my birth preparation and Hypnobirthing classes and perinatal mental health support offering.