Going through labor safely, comfortably, and happily is the dream of every expectant mother. To make this happen, a prospective mother must know her rights before carrying out the birth process. Knowledge of a mother's rights is important because it does not rule out the possibility that things that happen during the birth process are not the same as planned, so the adjustment actions that occur are expected to be beneficial for the mother, baby, and the health workers on duty.
1. The Fundamental Rights
A prospective mother has the right to obtain complete and transparent information regarding the benefits and risks of the tests, the treatments, the medication received, and all the procedures to be undertaken. In addition, a prospective mother also has the right to obtain information regarding the profile and qualifications of the medical staff on duty. Ask about the medical staff's educational background, experiences, or other questions that might dismiss doubts during the birthing process. By knowing all the information about the birth process, expectant mothers can imagine the series of processes that will be undertaken. If there are still doubts about a matter, the expectant mother has the right to change her decision.
Choosing a delivery procedure following the religion, beliefs, and customs that are adhered to is also the expectant mother's right. It also relates to the right to accept or refuse unnecessary medical procedures, tests, and interventions, including fetal monitoring and episiotomies (vaginal scissors, the process of enlarging the birth canal).
Rights During Childbirth Process
Prospective mothers have the right to know whether or not the birth induction process will be carried out, along with the reasons. Birth induction stimulates contractions of the uterine muscles so that the mother can give birth normally through the vaginal route. This process is not mandatory for all expectant mothers. Only expectant mothers with certain conditions are recommended to do so.
Choosing a position when carrying out the birth process is also a right that expectant mothers obtain. If there are no medical conditions, the expectant mother should be able to give birth in any position. Communicate with the hospital regarding delivery position policies.
Postpartum Rights
There are many benefits of skin-to-skin contact between mother and newborn. Therefore, when there is no obstacle from a medical condition, the mother has the right to meet with the baby right after the birth process to build an emotional bond. In addition, mothers also have the right to breastfeed directly. However, if unable or unwilling, a mother also has the right to provide breast milk through the assistance of a milk bottle.
A mother has the right over her child to refuse unneeded medical tests if they are not related to health problems for the mother and baby. Examples of tests are length measurements, weighing, and blood checks on babies. Not all tests need to be done right after birth. Please communicate with your doctor to find out what tests are needed and when is the right time to do them.
The birth process is something that the expectant mother, family, and even the baby itself await. So don't hesitate to give your opinion or ask questions to create a safe, comfortable, and happy birth process.
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Source:
Zapata, K. (2022). How to Advocate for Yourself and Your Baby During Delivery. Healthline. [online]. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/advocate-for-yourself-during-delivery