178: Stealing Informed Consent: A Nurse’s Perspective

 

Have you ever thought about how the circumstances surrounding childbirth shape our experiences, decisions, and well-being? Becoming a mother is a complex journey filled with choices, societal expectations, and the ever-changing landscape of healthcare practices. It's not just a physical process, but also an emotional and mental adventure that spans generations. 

This week Dr. Stan hosts sits down with a dedicated L&D nurse and advocates for informed birthing experiences. In the healthcare world, this guest shares the complexities of navigating a dehumanized medical landscape. Working tirelessly, she offers firsthand insight into the challenges faced by mothers and healthcare providers. She is committed to breaking down barriers, questioning norms, and fostering holistic care, making her a beacon of change in an industrialized healthcare system. You won’t want to miss this extremely insightful and eye-opening episode.

Quotes:

"They need to be together - mom needs to breastfeed the baby. It's important that the baby gets those antibodies." 

"2020 opened up my eyes to what we were being taught, and how I didn't agree with it. It was a contradiction, like, are we supposed to have a golden hour skin-to-skin breastfeeding? Because that's what's best." 

"There's so much judgment on the choices that we as parents make for ourselves and for our children. Why can't people just give others the freedom to make that choice for themselves and for their children?" 

"Being transparent with her about the topics and talking about it with her makes her feel valued, seen, and heard. I think at this age, it's so great because then she feels valued, she feels seen, she feels heard from me and my husband." 

"I'll be their advocate and make sure that their voices are heard when they start having their own kids. I hope for the future that we can turn things around, have much more informed consent without any judgment, [and] allow moms to make these choices for themselves." 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Encourage an environment where individuals, especially mothers, can make informed choices about their health and birthing experiences without facing judgment. 

• Work towards normalizing and accepting holistic care practices, such as chiropractic adjustments for mothers and babies. Challenge societal norms that may question or dismiss these practices, emphasizing their potential benefits for overall well-being.

• Recognize the importance of being an advocate for the younger generation, ensuring their voices are heard, and they receive the care and support aligned with their choices. Encourage open communication within families about healthcare decisions, empowering individuals to stand true to their convictions.

• Encourage critical thinking about healthcare practices, especially in the context of birthing experiences. Question assumptions, seek diverse perspectives, and challenge traditional norms to promote a more harmonious and informed approach to healthcare decision-making.

• Strive for birthing environments that prioritize informed consent, reduced stress for mothers, and a holistic approach to care. Whether at home, in a birthing center, or in a hospital, advocate for practices that contribute to a safer and more supportive experience for both mothers and babies.

 

Highlights/Timeline:

[08:35] – Why should we address the stigma surrounding postpartum mental health?

[11:22] – How has the attraction to midwifery care grown, especially during the amplification during the COVID period?

[20:05] – Our guest shares the biggest challenge mothers face today

[26:14] – What is the mission and purpose of maternal mental health education?

[33:13] – Our guest talks about the trauma experienced by mothers 

[38:44] – What are our guest’s thoughts on the future of Maternal and Mental Health?

[45:56] – How strong is the strength of uterine contractions during childbirth?

[58:03] – Our guest shares her thoughts on the big action listeners should take

[6:21] – How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect our guest’s career in Women's Health, Labor, and Delivery, and what challenges did she face regarding informed consent and homebirth restrictions?

[11:32] – What factors led to patients seeking homebirth or alternative environments, and how does the nurse advocate for mother-baby bonding and skin-to-skin contact?

[18:23] – How did our guest’s perspective on breastfeeding shift, and what were the reasons behind her transition from nurse to doula?

[32:19] – Our guest shares personal experience regarding parental choices, vaccination, and facing judgment from another mother

[37:57] – How does our guest navigate controversial topics with her teenage daughter with the challenges and differences in parenting in the post-2020 world?

[42:53] – What is the importance of informed consent in parenting?

[47:17] – Why does our guest  express hope for more informed consent in birthing environments?

[59:51] – Our guest shares her experience with a provider who brought up the termination of pregnancy nonchalantly during an appointment.

 

Conclusion:

The need for a healthcare environment that encourages open communication and informed decision-making is crucial. Embracing holistic care practices and challenging societal norms that question these approaches can make the healthcare system more comprehensive and patient-focused. Practitioners have a choice to take action to build a healthcare system that prioritizes individual choices, respects different perspectives, and promotes safer and more supportive experiences for all.

 

Resources:

Learn more about Dr. Stanton Hom on:

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/drstantonhom

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