by Jill Gliha, BirthLink Board Member
Part Three of a Six Part Series
Women shop around for just about everything! We will switch hairdressers in a hot minute or call to complain when we receive less than stellar service, or immediately take a piece of clothing back if it is not what we wanted. Why should our maternity care provider be any different? After all, they will be supporting you during what will arguably be the most important moment of your life.
Many women and couples look to having the most skilled surgeon for just in case purposes. Yes that is important however, what about how they will support you throughout your pregnancy and during your birth? It is very very crucial to choose a provider who understands your wishes and is respectful of that. Many women are told when they will be induced, or how far they will be ” allowed ” to go. There is always a good sounding reason for why and many trust and believe this. I encourage women to allow their body every chance it can for labor to begin naturally. This means usually going past your due date and usually past when your provider will want to ” get things started “. Your due date is just an estimate. It can go two weeks either way!
With my first pregnancy, I told my provider that I wanted to wait until 42 weeks to intervene. If I had allowed her to tell me when she wanted to induce, I know it would have been sooner. These doctors and midwives are providing us a service that we are paying for! You have the power to decide if and when you will be induced. Just because you are told it is their ” policy ” doesn’t mean you can’t speak up and say that is not okay with me. If you are not being supported or find yourself feeling like you are having to fight for what you want, have enough strength to search for someone else!
For more information on Strong Momma Doula Services, please visit www.strongmommadoulaservices.com.