Birth and Choices

I am six months into my doula journey and have learned so much. I am thankful for the relationships and people that I am meeting along the way. My thoughts lead me to the topic of birth and choices women have in the process. How many women go to the first prenatal visit and hear, “Congratulations on your pregnancy, let’s talk about the options and choices that are available through this journey and what your wishes and desires are.” We live in a society that fights for the “woman’s right to choose- prolife or prochoice, standing up for the right to vote, equality for women and the list goes on. I am not here to debate on these topics, I am just highlighting these to show that women resulted in having choices with some of these topics and “rights.” Well woman to woman I am here to encourage you that you also have rights, and choices in the birthing process!! Many are out to debate with doctors, I am here to empower women through education and affirmation in having a voice and not feeling guilty for excercising their wishes and desires.

If we could be an invisible observer of what takes place in dr offices during prenatal visits most doctor’s spend 10-15 minutes with the patient and send them on their way. That comes to a total of 2-3 hours of time spent with a mother before meeting her in the delivery room upon arrival of the baby. For such a big life event, that isn’t much time with someone that you are entrusting your life and the life of your new child into their hands. Across the healthcare spectrum their is a term being used called “person centered care.” We need more of this type of thinking when it comes to mothers and babies. Our birthing community needs mothers to be able to know they are being heard, and are being informed of their options, and that their is someone in the medical arena, dr or midwife that will represent the patient to the fullest extent.

Birth isn’t foreign to our world or society, but the approaches that are used today with frequent increase in the c-section rate, rise of epidurals and pain medications, it is no wonder a woman at times isn’t aware of what her body is capable of. I respect those who choose a c-section as their form of delivery or the use of an epidural. But, a woman should be given the risks and  benefits of all interventions, to be informed before making a choice. And for mothers who choose natural methods of delivery, should be supported and not scrutinized!! A woman’s body is a beautiful vessel, and comes equipped to hold a secret place within herself where her child is knit together, and safely kept there until it’s due season of arrival into the world.This is a miracle that should never be taken forgranted!!

So, you may ask- what is the purpose of this blurb?? As a woman be empowered to ask questions, know that you have options, and be inspired to seek out that knowledge. There are educated persons within our birthing community that want to support women and help them throughout their birthing journey. Doulas are a great source for education and resources to help support the woman in pregnancy and postpartum care!! I hope this post is beneficial. Please do not hesitate to ask questions.