What does it mean to have informed consent?
Well, let’s give you the definition of both words.
Informed means to have knowledge of a particular subject.
Consent means having permission to do something.
Do any of these seem like they are informed consent?
“I’m going to check your cervix.”
“I’m going to break your waters.”
“I’m giving you a little snip (episiotomy) without you knowing.”
“We’re starting an IV antibiotic now.”
First off did you give them permission for any of the above statements or things done?
Do you know what the pros and cons are of each item they just mentioned?
You didn’t give informed consent to any of the following ideas. So if you are in this situation it’s time for you and your partner to say, “Wait… please let us have a moment alone.” Then you can discuss this further. If you have a doula speak with them.
If you don’t just do a random search on evidence-based birth. At all times just go back to using your B.R.A.
- What are the benefits?
- What are the risks?
- What are the alternatives?
If you just started your pregnancy journey or are further into it. Start looking into some well-known topics of choices. You have these choices, your OB, Midwife, and Doula work for you. Use them for knowledge and soak up many alternatives too.
Topics to look into:
- Delayed Cord Clamping
- Artificial Rupture of Membranes (AROM)
- Unassisted Birth
- Midwife
- Doula
- Newborn Procedures
- Skin-to-Skin Contact
- Effects of Epidural
- Effects of C-Section
- Effects of Morphine
- Waterbirth
- Vitamin K
- Vaccines
- Babywearing
- Circumcision
- Colostrum
- The Golden Hour
- Breastfeeding
- Formula
- Cloth Diapering
- Placenta Encapsulation
Do you know what any of these things are? Do your research! Don’t be bullied into things you didn’t consent to!
