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Becoming a parent is one of the most exciting journeys in life, and for my husband and me, it was a long-awaited dream come true. Despite being a young and healthy couple, we struggled to conceive and underwent fertility treatments. The news of our pregnancy filled us with joy, and every visit to the doctor was a milestone in our journey. We were determined to have a natural birth and attended psycho-prophylaxis sessions to prepare us for the big day.
However, our dream of a natural birth was shattered in week 38 when the doctor informed us that labor needed to be induced. I was hesitant and did my own research, but the pressure from the doctor made me feel powerless. What followed was a traumatic experience that left me feeling disrespected, unheard, and powerless. I was deprived of fluids, forced to receive oxytocin and an epidural, and subjected to physical and emotional abuse during the birth process. My choices and rights were disregarded, and it was a horrible experience that I would never wish upon anyone.
This is not just my story. Women all over the world face similar experiences during childbirth, and it's time for us to raise our voices and demand change. Respectful maternity care is not only a human right but also crucial for the well-being of both mother and baby. According to the World Health Organization (2016), respectful care can improve outcomes, reduce mortality, and reduce the risk of mental health problems.
It's time for healthcare providers to be trained in respectful maternity care and for systems to be put in place to monitor and report disrespectful care. As future parents, it's important to educate yourself on your rights during childbirth and how to advocate for yourself. And as a society, we must demand respectful care for all women during one of the most vulnerable and crucial moments in their lives.
It's time for us to join forces and raise our voices for respectful maternity care. It's time for us to stand up for the rights of mothers and babies, and ensure that every woman has access to the care and support she deserves during childbirth. Let's work together to make a difference and create a world where every woman has a positive and empowering birth experience.
Reference
World Health Organization. (2016). Respectful maternity care: Every woman's right. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization.
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