In Britain, we are lucky enough to have supportive midwives and doctors who typically allow women to carry out their wishes when it comes to labour.
However, this is not the case everywhere in the world, as a shocking report has shown that many expectant mothers are mistreated when they are giving birth.
The study, led by the World Health Organization and published in The Lancet, revealed 42 per cent of 2,000 women in Nigeria, Myanmar, Ghana and Guinea reported physical or verbal abuse, or discrimination when in labour.
This abuse included being punched, shouted at, held down, neglected by health workers, scolded, and undergoing surgical procedures without giving consent.
According to the findings, up to a third of women in these countries were mocked, hit or abused, which, in turns, leads to a distrust of medical assistance during labour.
The authors of the study wrote: “Mistreatment during childbirth can amount to a violation of human rights, and could be a disincentive from seeking facility-based maternity care.”
Even more appalling is the fact that 13 per cent of the caesarean sections and three-quarters of episiotomies were conducted without the expectant mother giving permission for the procedures.
Fortunately, these experiences are very different from how women in Britain are treated during childbirth, with the emphasis being on allowing the mother to choose her own birth plan entirely.
This includes informing midwives of intentions to use hypnobirthing to breathe the baby out, instead of seeking surgical or medical intervention. Many women find this method of childbirth incredibly rewarding, as it allows for a calmer experience and gives mothers control.
For more information about hypnobirthing in London, get in touch with me today.
