Essential Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Midwife In Order to Have an Empowered Birth
How to Spot Red Flags and Create the Birth Team You Envision.
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Photograph taken on medium format film by Matt Bockal.
It is imperative that birthing people have adequate knowledge to determine if their chosen provider is the best possible fit for their labor and birth. How someone is able to feel safe enough to give birth very much depends on the kind of care they receive from their provider.
Medical informed consent is the ability to choose what feels right for your body. This means you have the ability to say yes, no, or “I need more information” in order to consent or refuse a medical intervention.
Trust is built over time with your provider - It isn’t just given.
Women are more likely to feel safe in their body when they have a provider that is a collaborator; that is someone who listens effectively to what the patient expresses is important to her and is also willing to give the patient time and space to discuss medical decisions with her partner and other members of her birth team like a doula.
No matter what environment you choose, hospital, birth center or home, these questions are paramount for all birthing people to ask.