The Untold Story Of Maternity Care
Finding Your Power and Choices in Maternity Care
Rethinking Birth Choices and Challenging the System
In my journey through the intricate world of childbirth, I've encountered numerous women who, when faced with decisions like cesarean sections or inductions, proceed without realising they have a choice. This realisation is not just startling; it deeply saddens me. The contrast is stark when we consider how much effort goes into planning a wedding or choosing a holiday destination, yet, when it comes to childbirth, the same level of research and consideration seems to diminish. Understandably, there's an inherent trust in the healthcare system, a belief that we will be guided and cared for in the best way possible. But is this assumption valid? Why do many women I speak with share stories of traumatic births? It begs the question: is childbirth inherently dangerous, or is the system failing us?
The prevalence of traumatic birth stories is alarming. Many women emerge from their birthing experience believing that the trauma they endured is a normal aspect of childbirth. They think their bodies have failed them, or that the medical interventions they underwent were absolutely necessary. But it's worth questioning whether one in three human beings truly requires surgical intervention to be born, especially when this rate is not mirrored in the animal kingdom. This discrepancy raises doubts about the evidence and rationale behind the protocols and practices in our healthcare systems.
At When Push Comes To Shove, the contrast in birth outcomes could not be more striking. With a 77% home birth rate compared to the national average of 2%, the women who come to us showcase the potential for different, often more positive birth experiences. This stark difference prompts a critical examination of our trust in the conventional system. Are the recommendations and guidelines provided to pregnant women based on solid evidence, or are there other factors at play?
The reliance on a system that often prioritises standardisation over individualised care may be misplaced. It's crucial to interrogate the practices and protocols that lead to such a high incidence of perceived birth trauma and surgical births. Women need to be empowered with information, supported in their decisions, and provided with options that resonate with their preferences and needs. The disparity in birth experiences between the conventional healthcare system and those who choose alternatives like When Push Comes To Shove serves as a stark reminder of the importance of informed choice and the potential for different outcomes.
As we delve deeper into this topic, it's essential to advocate for a system that truly supports women, offers genuine choices, and bases care on evidence rather than convention. It's time to shift the narrative from one of compliance and fear to one of empowerment and knowledge. Women deserve to know that they have options, that their bodies are capable, and that the birth experience can be vastly different from the norm that has been presented to them. The journey towards a more informed and empowering childbirth experience begins with questioning, learning, and advocating for change.
Navigating Maternity Care: The Illusion of Choice and the Reality of Guidelines
The promise of personalised care in maternity services, as outlined by NHS England's 5-Year Plan and echoed across the UK, paints a picture of an ideal healthcare system. It's a system where women are at the centre, empowered to make informed decisions about their birth experiences based on unbiased information. Yet, the reality for many women is a maze of hospital guidelines that dictate their journey through pregnancy and childbirth—a journey that often feels anything but personalised.
Hospital guidelines, while necessary for standardising care, unfortunately adopt a "one size fits all" approach. These guidelines are designed to serve the masses and, as such, can't cater to the unique needs of every woman and her baby. Moreover, the foundation of these guidelines is not as solid as one might assume. While some are based on robust evidence, others balance scientific evidence with economic considerations, or, in some cases, lack a strong evidence base altogether.
Women are often left in the dark about these guidelines, only to be confronted with them at critical moments. Phrases like "You have to have this test" or "We don’t allow women to go over 40 weeks" become all too familiar, leading to anxiety and concern. The fundamental question arises: "Am I allowed to refuse?" The answer is a resounding YES. The right to informed refusal is a cornerstone of patient autonomy, yet it's a right that is often overshadowed by the weight of medical authority and the presumption of compliance.
Am I Allowed? By Beverley Beech serves as a beacon for women navigating these waters, offering guidance on how to critically evaluate evidence and make decisions that truly resonate with their desires and needs. The issue of obstetric violence—coercing women into treatments they don't want—highlights the urgent need for a shift in how maternity care is approached. It's a shift from coercion to conversation, from guidelines to guidance. You can read more about how to navigate coercion in my blog here.
The concept of choice in maternity care often feels like selecting from a pre-determined menu rather than crafting a truly personal birth plan. This notion of pseudo-choice, where autonomy is acknowledged but not fully respected, is a significant barrier to empowering women in their birthing experiences. The reality is that the decision should always lie with the woman, informed by genuine dialogue and respect for her preferences.
Buy Am I Allowed? Here - All proceeds go towards The Beverley Beech Project ; an access fund for low income families.
Evidence-Based Practice: A Closer Look
The reliance on guidelines raises the question of how evidence-based these recommendations truly are. A study by Prusova et al. (2014) examining the RCOG's "Green-top Guidelines" reveals a startling truth: a significant portion of these guidelines is based on lower-quality evidence or expert opinion rather than high-level medical evidence. As little as 8% category ‘A’ evidence! So if you are thinking that the intervention offered to you is for a good reason, there is a huge chance it’s not! This finding is not just a statistical footnote; it's a critical commentary on the state of maternity care. It underscores the need for ongoing scrutiny and improvement in how guidelines are developed and implemented.
The journey through maternity care should not be one of compliance and conformity but of empowerment and informed choice. Women deserve to navigate this path armed with knowledge, supported in their autonomy, and respected in their decisions. The revelation that not all maternity care guidelines are rooted in the highest quality evidence is not a call for skepticism but a call to action. It's an invitation to engage, question, and demand care that truly serves the best interests of women and their babies.
Embracing Choice and Empowerment in Childbirth: The Role of When Push Comes To Shove
In the landscape of maternity care, the journey of childbirth is as unique as the women experiencing it. At When Push Comes To Shove (WPCTS), we understand the significance of choice, the power of natural birth, and the importance of informed decision-making. Our core philosophy is simple: we will never dictate your path but offer guidance and knowledge to empower your choices.
Navigating the complex world of maternity care can feel overwhelming, especially when confronted with the conventional healthcare system's one-size-fits-all approach. This is where WPCTS stands apart. Our directory of doulas and birthkeepers is a testament to our dedication to providing private, personalised maternity care that respects and honours the wishes of expecting mothers and families.
A Directory Designed with You in Mind
Our comprehensive directory is your gateway to connecting with experienced and certified professionals specialising in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum support. We have meticulously trained a tribe of doulas and birthkeepers, each bringing their unique expertise and passion for supporting families through this transformative journey. Whether you seek the comfort and guidance of a traditional doula or the specialised knowledge of a birthkeeper, our directory serves as a bridge to finding the perfect match for your needs.
The Impact of Doulas and Birthkeepers
The presence of doulas and birthkeepers during childbirth is transformative. Their unwavering support, knowledge, and compassion create an energy that enhances the birth experience, guiding you through with love and confidence. The positive birth outcomes associated with WPCTS are a reflection of our commitment to empowering women and families, ensuring that each birth is approached with care, dignity, and respect.
At WPCTS, the choice is celebrated, and empowerment is the foundation of our approach. We believe in the power of informed decision-making and the right of every woman to dictate her childbirth experience. Our directory of doulas and birthkeepers is more than a resource; it's a commitment to supporting you through one of life's most extraordinary journeys. Explore our directory today and take the first step towards a birth experience defined by confidence, peace of mind, and empowerment.
Deeper Education
Are you preparing to welcome a new life into the world? Enrol in our Home Study Antenatal Course, meticulously crafted for expectant parents like you. This course offers a deep dive into the birthing process, equipping you with knowledge, confidence, and the tools to navigate your pregnancy and childbirth journey with empowerment and ease.
For Aspiring Birth Professionals: Our Accredited and Certified Doula Course
If your calling is to support and guide women through the transformative experience of childbirth, our accredited and certified Doula Course is your gateway. This comprehensive program provides in-depth training, practical skills, and the latest insights in birth support, preparing you for a fulfilling career as a certified doula.
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A proud graduate proudly holding her certificate! Enrol on our accredited course now. Change your life and change the lives of women.