COMPREHENSION OVER COERCION

Would you ask more questions?

Would you ask for the actual risk (0.1% in increasing to to 0.15% for instance) compared to relative risk rather (50% more likely in this example).

Would you ask what the benefits were of declining said intervention?

Would you ask if there were alternatives?

Would ask for the indication this was a concern for YOU and YOUR baby?

Would you stop for a moment and listen to your instinct, your intuition?

Would you ask if it was safe to leave it a while or have some time to think?

Our maternity system is stretched, both financially and in terms of resources.

One review showed 50% of legal payouts from a single trust were for obstetrics alone.

Is it any wonder our caregivers do things by the book when their job is on the line if they don’t?

The thing is, there simply aren’t the resources to offer personalised, women-centred care, to see each pregnancy as an individual occasion and tailor their care accordingly.

As a result, the offices, far, far away from the maternity wards come up with policies and guidelines to try and absolutely minimise any chance of an adverse outcome.

But that’s understandable, right?

A vast majority of those entering the system • do very little preparation for birth, • care or know they can take control, • understand they have choices, • appreciate they can be at the centre of the decision-making process if they so wish,

And with a legal system awarding damages for advice not given 24 years ago, pre-conception - who can bloody well blame them?

The thing is, this safety net, ‘just in case’, bubble wrapped, catch-all system, if followed without question, a raised eyebrow or further investigation can lead to • fear • doubt • loss of autonomy • unnecessary interventions • unnecessary injury • unnecessary trauma

The system cannot change without a huge injection of resources so things are unlikely to change any time soon.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t • take control yourself, • be interested, • ask questions, • do your own research, • make YOUR own call on ‘risk’ (or the ‘chance’ of something happening)

COMPREHENSION OVER COERCION