Far be it from me to make you want to open your jugular, but childbirth is far from being a cakewalk (except perhaps during the delivery when your baby is finally placed on your chest). But be aware that for this to go as well as possible, you have the possibility to choose a lot of things according to your preferences (in compose your birth poké-bowl mode). Here are all the things to know before expelling a three-kilo watermelon, it’s always nice to know a little before.
1. You must be informed before performing an episiotomy and you have the right to refuse it
During delivery (and throughout your pregnancy), the doctors who follow you must clearly explain all medical procedures to you that they will practice and get your consent to perform them, especially for episiotomy (which consists of cutting part of the perineum to facilitate the exit of the baby). It is therefore up to you to decide whether or not you wish to receive one (obviously by discussing with the nursing staff to understand why they believe it is necessary). The only cases in which the medical team can go beyond your opinion are in the event of an emergency and if it is impossible to express their wishes (in this case, it is the relatives who are consulted). And even if you’ve always said yes, but when it comes time to perform the episiotomy, you don’t want to anymore, you have the right to say no.
2. You can decide the position in which you give birth
We are used to seeing women give birth on their backs, especially in films and series, because this is the basic “gynecological” position. But you can give birth squatting, on all fours, or on your side. Well, I’m not going to lie to you, in a handstand, it might be a little more complicated, but after that, you do as you feel.
3. Sometimes the epidural does not work, or badly
We prefer to warn you so that there are no surprises if it should happen to you one day: the epidural, as great as it is, may not work on you or only on one side. This happens when the pipe that propagates the product moves, when the person giving birth moves, and no longer arrives at the right place. In this case, if we have time, we put the epidural again (which can be quite restrictive). But don’t worry, it’s going to be fine, we read it in the stars.
4. You can give birth at home
In France, AAD (home birth) is quite possible with the help of a midwife or a private midwife chosen beforehand and after a medical appointment determining the feasibility of this act. In some cases DDA may be refused, such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, or breech position, but otherwise there should be no problem. However, you have to be careful, because there are less than a hundred midwives and midwives practicing AAD in France, which can make this act complicated in certain regions. It is also necessary to carry out a birth plan and a medical file in a nearby maternity hospital which will be used in the event of a problem.
5. You have the right to ask for a cesarean delivery
According to what the High Authority for Health says, it is possible to have recourse to a “caesarean section of convenience”, that is to say, a scheduled caesarean section which is not carried out due to medical problems. or an emergency during childbirth. It is therefore a total wish of the pregnant person not to give birth vaginally. If requesting this act is legal, it is common for many doctors to refuse to perform it because of the risks involved in a caesarean section in the absence of medical or obstetrical indications. However, a doctor refusing a planned caesarean for convenience is required to refer to a colleague, and to offer personalized support to understand the reasons for this request.
6. your partner does not have to come with you
We often mistakenly think that it is absolutely necessary that his/her +1 be present during childbirth. You have the right to take it, but you can just as well choose anyone around you like your mother, your brother, your second cousin or the guy who installed the fiber in your home last week. Really, it’s open bar, as long as it’s someone you trust (so not your ex who hit on half your buddies).
7. You can change the person at any time to monitor your birth
What’s good when you carry life is that you have the right to do just about anything you want (avoiding putting yourself in big murges or putting on a plate of sushi). If, overnight, you decide that you no longer want your gynecologist or your general practitioner to monitor your pregnancy, well, you can say goodbye to them without anyone telling you anything. And what’s more, you can retrieve your medical file at any time. If it is not beautiful life!
8. It may take a little longer than expected
Our apologies in advance for this trauma, but know that after having expelled the 3 kg which will now serve you as a child, you will not have finished all the work. Yes, because then you have to bring out the placenta, this thing that has fed your kid for the last 9 months. And then again after that, you have to endure the “trenches” of postpartum contractions that your mother reveres. But I promise, afterwards, you will have a little respite (until you stand up at least).
9. You can leave anytime after giving birth.
Yes, you have no obligation to stay 153 years in the hospital if you prefer to go back home. Even if the medical team thinks it’s a little too early and you’re taking a risk, you can leave whenever you want by signing a certificate that says you’re aware of the danger. Good after, don’t ask to leave before you even have expelled your placenta. But now, know that if you want to go home a little earlier than expected, it’s up to you.
10. You have the right to refuse anything that makes you uncomfortable or causes you pain.
Whether it’s the presence of students or nurses, a vaginal examination or an induction, or someone humming Francis Cabrel, you can refuse anything that bothers you or hurts you at any time. Anything. The people who will take care of your delivery will have to Everytime obtain your consent and even more so if the act is invasive (unless there is an emergency or in the event of the impossibility of expressing oneself, in the latter case, the opinion of the relatives will be asked again). Besides, you can at any time say that, ultimately, you no longer agree with what is happening.
