Advocating for yourself in labour and birth means taking an active role in making decisions about your birthing experience, expressing your preferences, and ensuring that your rights and well-being are respected throughout the process.
Advocating for yourself often involves:
Educating yourself about the various aspects of labour, childbirth, and common medical interventions to help you make informed decisions.
Creating a birth plan that outlines your preferences regarding pain management, positions, monitoring, etc.
Asking questions and clearly communicating your wishes and concerns to your caregiver.
Understanding that you have the right to consent to or decline medical procedures and interventions.
Familiarising yourself with your legal rights as a birthing person such as privacy, respect and dignity, informed decision-making.
Surrounding yourself with a supportive birth team, which may include a partner, doula, or other trusted individuals who can advocate for you when you are unable to do so.
Being flexible and learning to "expect the unexpected".
Trusting your instincts and your ability to make decisions that are best for you and your baby.
Being assertive in expressing your wishes and concerns.
Effective self-advocacy can lead to a more satisfying and empowering birthing experience that aligns with your preferences and values, while ensuring your health and the health of your baby are central to the process.
Love. Ma Doula x
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