Taking Control of Your Pregnancy and Birth: Your Choices Matter
In the Netherlands, we are fortunate to have excellent care during pregnancy and childbirth. Most of us place our full trust in our midwives or obstetricians, and rightly so—their expertise and support provide a sense of safety, which is so important during this life-changing journey.
But do you feel fully informed and confident in making your own decisions during your pregnancy or labor?
Healthcare providers in the Netherlands have extensive knowledge and experience to guide you. However, it’s important to remember that you are in charge of your pregnancy and birth.
While it may seem obvious that you have control, it’s not always guaranteed in practice. Sometimes, routines develop among midwives or obstetricians that can inadvertently make pregnant or laboring women feel like they’ve lost the ability to make decisions. For example, certain procedures are performed as standard practice, but you might feel differently about them—and that’s perfectly okay!
In the Netherlands, your right to make decisions about medical care is called informed consent. This important principle ensures that no medical procedure can be performed without your explicit permission.
True informed consent means you’ve been given all the necessary information to decide whether or not you want a specific procedure. You should know your options, alternatives, and the potential benefits and risks.
However, asking for consent can sometimes be challenging in practice, especially during childbirth when decisions may need to be made quickly. That’s why it’s crucial to educate yourself about potential decisions ahead of time.
Would you like to use pain relief?
Are you comfortable with an episiotomy?
In what situations would you want certain interventions, and in which wouldn’t you?
By preparing during your pregnancy, you’ll be able to make informed decisions and feel more in control when the time comes. After all, it’s your body and your baby, so the decisions should be yours.
It’s also okay to decide against certain routine practices during pregnancy or childbirth. The key is to prepare yourself so you can confidently make those decisions.
Here are some practical tips to help you stay in charge of your birth experience:
Prepare for Birth:
Read books and research online about childbirth. The more you know, the easier it will be to form your own opinions and preferences.Find Reliable Information:
The internet is full of information, but make sure you’re using trustworthy sources. If you feel overwhelmed, ask an expert to guide you.Write Down Your Questions:
As you learn more about childbirth, you’re bound to have questions. Write them down and discuss them with your midwife or obstetrician to get the clarity you need.Take a Birthing Course:
At my online birthing course, you and your partner can prepare together for your birth. We’ll cover the choices you may face during labor and help you form opinions and make decisions in advance.Discuss Your Wishes with Your Partner:
Talk to your partner about your wishes for the birth. This will help them support you better during labor.Create a Birth Plan:
A birth plan allows you to document your preferences for the birth. While you can’t plan everything, the birth plan is a great way to communicate your decisions to your healthcare provider. This is especially important if your choices differ from standard procedures.
I wrote this blog to show you that you have choices during your pregnancy and birth. I’ve noticed that many women aren’t aware of the options available to them—options that could positively impact their experience.
In future blogs, I’ll dive deeper into specific choices you have during childbirth. Stay tuned for more insights and tips!
Warm regards,
