We should teach the importance of true informed consent and how to achieve it using the seven informed consent questions. No woman should feel that she does not have the right to ask any health care provider questions about a procedure or treatment being offered or given to her. It is her right to reject any treatment or procedure or that does not directly jeopardize the health of her baby. It is our job as childbirth professionals to help parents understand this right and enable them to take control of their own bodies. Parental Responsibility Parental responsibility begins during pregnancy.
Parents have the responsibility to choose the birth place, attendant, procedures, etc.
This is not the responsibility of the doctor, midwife, doula, CBE, or anyone but the parents. While parents should be able to trust those they have chosen to assist and care for them during pregnancy and birth, none of these will have the responsibility of taking that child home and raising it. Parents should feel good about and be a part of every decision made about their care throughout the entire process of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period as well as throughout the child s life. Labor Support Women should be surrounded by those they love and trust during labor, delivery and postpartum. A woman's emotional support team is as vital to her birth experience as the medical team.