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Informed consent during pregnancy and birth
Pregnancy can be uncharted territory for first time moms, or even moms who have had traumatic births. How is this going to go? What will happen at my appointments? There is a whole human being growing inside your body. But, the important part to remember is… That baby is growing inside YOUR body. People still need to ask permission to touch you. Every. Single. Time. They need to clearly explain procedures, tests, and treatments so that you may make an informed decision and give them a confident yes OR no answer. Informed Consent Informed consent is enthusiastic and ongoing. And if any provider pulls the ‘dead baby’ card if you…
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In the beginning
As a labor and delivery nurse, I am absolutely honored to witness my patient’s most intimate moments of beginning (or continuing) their journey to motherhood. As a mom of six, I’ve been in their shoes several times, with completely different labor experiences each time. I’ve had unmedicated and medicated births, an emergency cesarean, and two successful VBAC’s (vaginal birth after cesarean). Every birth matters. And every birth is valid. Some labors are quick, while others are slow. Some transition from beginning to middle to end effortlessly while others need little nudges and still others require quickly changing paths for the safety of mother and baby. And what stands out to…