Childbirth in the United States can be a daunting experience. While the act of giving birth is fundamentally natural, many hospitals treat it as a medical crisis. Emergencies can and do occur during labor, but the stark contrast between the recommended cesarean section rates and the actual numbers raises serious concerns about our maternity care system.
In just moments, a mother’s situation can transition from routine to high-risk, leading to a cascade of interventions. My own journey exemplifies this shift.
At every prenatal visit, my health indicators were excellent. I was gaining weight steadily, which my healthcare team didn’t seem to regard as an issue. I felt well-prepared, despite my lack of prior experience. However, nearly 30 weeks into what I thought was a healthy pregnancy, I was suddenly categorized as “at risk.” My concerns were brushed aside when I discovered, through my own inquiry, that my baby had a medical condition—information that my healthcare providers had failed to share.
This oversight led to a scheduled induction in a different state, and when I unexpectedly went into labor days early, I faced skepticism about my ability to recognize when I was truly in active labor. Much of that experience is now a blur for me, clouded by medication.
I recall the use of forceps, an episiotomy that I was informed of only afterward, and being told that I was losing a significant amount of blood. Even after delivery, my worries were routinely dismissed. I experienced severe pain at my incision site, but was repeatedly told that “nothing was wrong.” This dismissal of my concerns was more painful than the physical discomfort itself. It wasn’t until I underwent an emergency D&C for retained placenta, far from home, that I realized the extent of the trauma I had endured.
Regrettably, stories like mine are all too common. In 2019, many women reported various forms of mistreatment during childbirth, including being ignored, scolded, or denied assistance. These experiences are often exacerbated for women of color, who face a higher risk of both mistreatment and adverse outcomes.
Over the years, I’ve spoken with countless women about their childbirth experiences, and it’s disheartening how many recount traumatic events. My circle of friends includes many Black women who reflect on childbirth with fear rather than joy. The healthcare system is failing us, particularly those in marginalized communities.
Fortunately, awareness is growing about the maternal mortality crisis, and efforts are being made to address it. We must recognize that childbirth should not come with the added burden of trauma. The anxiety from my first birth left me apprehensive about my second pregnancy. I never expected that the memory of feeling ignored in such a vulnerable moment would linger with me indefinitely.
I even contemplated seeking counseling because I struggled to find joy in my second pregnancy. Anxiety plagued me at each healthcare appointment, and I was consumed with the fear of another negative experience. Thankfully, my second labor was a vastly different experience, largely due to the presence of a doula who provided the support I desperately needed. Still, the association between childbirth and a visceral fear of death lingers.
As friends around me prepare for childbirth, I feel a mix of hope for them and dread at the thought of them facing the same feelings of helplessness I experienced. Research plays a crucial role in improving outcomes. We must move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to maternal care, focusing instead on individualized, compassionate support for each new parent.
Additionally, there is a pressing need to enhance understanding of health disparities related to identity. Differences should not compromise anyone’s health. I long for a future where childbirth is not a source of fear. I grieve for those who have suffered due to the maternal mortality crisis, and I empathize with those whose peace of mind has been shattered by birth trauma.
Things can and must improve, and I am committed to being part of that change. It’s a matter of life and death—literally.
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Summary:
Mistreatment during childbirth is a widespread issue, affecting many women, particularly those from marginalized communities. Personal experiences reveal the trauma that can arise from inadequate care and communication. The need for individualized, compassionate maternal healthcare has never been more urgent, as the maternal mortality crisis demands attention. Change is essential for ensuring that childbirth is a safe and empowering experience for all.