With respect to childbirth the logic is the same. Zero questioning, absolute dedication to the doctor, to the system, to the universe and to the logical course of the nine months of pregnancy that will end, “if everything goes well” with a bombastic title: Mother. Mom. Mommy. Mommy.
I remember having only one certainty during the birth of my first daughter: I was going to give birth And that certainty was anchored in my mother’s speech. Being the oldest of five children, she transmitted to me in an organic and natural way that “give birth”no more and no less.
When I entered the Barrio Norte clinic with my 26th birthday, my Mini Mimo bag full of tiny white clothes and a lot of illusions, I realized that the scenario was a little more complex. Give birth to stop, of course, the issue is that they allow you to do it.
For years the issue has been on the agenda during the month of May through the World Week of Respected Childbirth, this year the chosen motto is “Respect for the needs of the mother and her baby in any situation”, From my position as a professional who works on the subject from different spaces and through different devices, I consider it urgent that bombastic slogans be translated into public policies that change the reality of women and children.
We give birth within a dominant medical system that knows little about physiology and in many cases pathologizes, intervenes, standardizes and violates a unique moment: the birth of our sons and daughters.
And we do it that way despite having a respected childbirth law that is a pioneer worldwide and that stipulates countless rights, such as:
- We can be accompanied throughout the process.
- We have freedom of movement and we can choose the position in which we want to give birth.
- We have the right to be informed throughout the process.
- Immediate contact between mother and baby.
In many cases, delivery rooms become a battlefield where we are sent to fight unarmed and with everything to lose. Despite everything and everyone, always remember that: The delivery is yours. And being respected is not an option, it is a right.
Social psychologist, childcare worker and doula. Director of the ACADP Childcare Services area
Source: Ambito
