Learning About Your Right to Respectful Maternity Care

Overview

You have a right to pregnancy care that keeps you safe and makes you feel seen and heard. Your wishes and values are important. They should be treated that way.

The people caring for you during pregnancy and childbirth are responsible for giving you the respectful care you deserve. But there are some things you can do that can help you have a good pregnancy and birth experience. Finding a doctor or midwife who feels like a good fit can help. So can learning about speaking up for what you need.

What are some signs of a good fit?

Having a good and supportive relationship with your doctor or midwife can make it easier to ask questions and share concerns. Here are some signs that they are a good fit:

• You feel like they listen to you carefully, and they don't cut you off when you're talking.
• They show you kindness and care.
• They seem to take your concerns seriously. And they answer your questions fully.
• You don't feel like your provider is rushing you or rushing your appointment.
• You feel comfortable speaking openly.
• You feel like you are a partner in making decisions about your care.

Remember that doctors and midwives are regular people who sometimes have an off day. So look at how they act (and how you feel about them) over a few visits.

If your doctor or midwife doesn't feel like a good fit, try to find one who does. In some cases, your options might be limited. If you can't change to a different doctor or midwife, you can still take steps to get the type of care you want and need. You can plan for ways to speak up for yourself. You can also bring a trusted person or loved one to appointments with you to support you.

How can you advocate for yourself?

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  Learn about your options for pregnancy care. Your options may include using doctors or midwives, and hospitals or birth centers.

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  Know your medical history, and discuss it with your care team. They can help you learn what your medical history means for your pregnancy.

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  Learn as much as you can about pregnancy and childbirth. As you learn more, you'll know more about what experience you hope to have.

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  Make a birth plan, and talk about it with your doctor or midwife. Write down the things that you do and don't want for your birth experience. And remember that sometimes childbirth goes as planned. But sometimes the plan needs to change.

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  Ask your doctor or midwife about what will happen if your birth plan needs to change. If something needs to happen differently to keep you and your baby safe, find out how your doctor or midwife will let you know.

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  Ask lots of questions. It may help to write down questions before your appointments so you remember them. Then write down your doctor's or midwife's answers.

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  Consider bringing someone with you to your appointments and your birth. Choose someone you feel can provide the type of support you want. They can help you take notes, ask questions, and share your preferences.

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  Trust yourself. You're the expert on your body. If something doesn't feel right, say so.