Your Birth Rights: How to Advocate for Yourself during Pregnancy and Childbirth (pt. 1)

If you're like me and you've tried Googling any subject related to pregnancy, you've found yourself falling into endless wormholes because of all the information that is out there. To be honest, if you really want to make a responsible choice, go into the wormhole - but be smart about it. You have to decide what information is relevant, accurate, and unbiased, because unfortunately in the world of childbirth and parenting, information can come from corporations and industries trying to protect their businesses, or practitioners who don't want to go the extra mile to make sure their clients’ best interests are being represented. 

Hence, this is why it is so important for you to have a clear understanding of your birth rights. If you are unfamiliar with that term and what those are, I am referring to your individual rights that pertain to you having a safe birthing experience where you are able to maintain control and self-autonomy. If you are aware of situations where you can be exposed to the influences of people not following your wishes for your birth, you have a better chance of intervening and preventing a potentially traumatic experience. Before you make any decisions, you should be informed of any risks and possible outcomes. You should also be aware that if you are faced with providers who are providing you unsatisfactory care, you have the right to speak up and/or seek alternative treatment! All of this belies informed consent.

Why is this important in the birthing world? Again, sometimes you will encounter people who do not know you and are methodical, being so used to events flowing a certain way, that they are not used to someone countering their expertise. For example, most doctors are uncomfortable with performing VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarean) and are not always willing to accept a patient who is hoping for a VBAC. Does this mean the person should continue receiving care from the doctor if it also means changing the birth plan? Absolutely not. But for someone who doesn't know better, he/she may not have have know looking for another provider was even an option. 

Obtaining a sense of self-autonomy in the birth space comes from being informed. Realistically, the situations that have taken place that have made it necessary for birthers to advocate for themselves can be appalling, but it’s important to learn from them so that as a society we learn how to help bring forth all babies in the healthiest and most supportive environments. Furthermore, when a person chooses to speak up for his/her rights, there should not be any retribution or consequences. 

Birth Plans

When you are going to your prenatal appointments and eventually in labor, you will be in a position to make multiple decisions - many you may not have given thought to before. Some of those decisions, you will be asked for your input, and on others, hospital procedure (if you are giving birth in a hospital) applies. However, just because something is typical procedure does not mean that is how it has to happen for your birth. It is important to know your possible outcomes. To be sure that you are anticipating everything, make a birth plan. Once you have your birth plan, you can talk with your provider and identify any areas where there may be discrepancies. Talk extensively about how he/she handles labor and delivery so you have an idea of what to expect - what methods and equipment will be used. Ask questions - especially if there's anything that is unfamiliar to you. This will increase your informed decision-making. I cannot say it enough: do not let anyone pressure you into making a decision because you also have the right to informed refusal, or to reject any medical procedure or intervention. 

Many birth workers and providers have so many opinions on birth plans - whether or not they're relevant, should they be accepted, are they helpful, etc. In my opinion, a birth plan is a must for parents because it gets you thinking about what can really happen during your birth. Likewise, birth plans also help start conversations - between you and your birth partner, you and your provider, or any other members of your birth team. When you have these conversations ahead of being in the birthing space, you are able to list your goals for your birth and plan for whatever situations you may encounter. You are also able to become more familiar with what to expect and I encourage ASKING QUESTIONS. The big advantage of this is seen if there is a change of plans while in labor, because you can choose how you want to handle situations or what methods of comfort relief you'd prefer. Sometimes there is a split second to make a decision and rather than make one under pressure, you can keep referring back to your birth plan for how you want to proceed. In some situations, having that birth plan is all you need to feel reassured when things start to go awry. 

Being clear when you walk into your doctor’s appointments and having an idea of what you want to discuss will help you make the best use of prenatal appointments. 

When you are faced with a medical decision regarding your care, make it easier by considering:

B - benefits

R - risks

A - alternatives

I - intuition 

N - nothing 

What are the benefits of agreeing to the treatment/intervention? What are the risks, if any? Are there any alternatives? What is your intuition telling you would be the best option in this situation? What would happen if you chose to do nothing? 

A major point that I hope to drive home is that you should take all the time you need to make your decision. Unless there is a pressing medical danger to you or your baby, there is no harm in waiting before making your decision. Ask for space while you decide. 

To be continued…