The Institute of Medicine describes patient-centered care as “providing care that respects and responds to individual patient preferences, needs, and values, ensuring that these values guide all clinical decisions.” While a healthcare provider’s experience or evidence may support a specific treatment plan, it’s crucial for patients to feel comfortable with their choices and to communicate their unique goals and desires for their care. This disconnect between what providers deem best and what patients genuinely want is common, especially in labor and delivery settings.
It’s often challenging for healthcare providers to fully appreciate individual needs, particularly after years of practice that emphasize certain interventions and established guidelines. Discussions around birth preferences—like elective inductions, cesarean sections, labor augmentation, epidurals, and breastfeeding—are increasingly prevalent. Many women express feeling as though their providers impose their own preferences or treat them merely as statistics.
Although a significant number of my patients opt for epidurals during labor, I have witnessed women successfully using hypnobirthing and other natural pain management methods. While breastfeeding offers substantial health benefits and is preferred by many healthcare professionals, it isn’t the right choice for everyone. We must honor each woman’s decision and assist her in finding alternatives that suit both her and her baby.
All women should trust their instincts and feel confident in their care plans. If you find that your needs do not align with the proposed treatment, don’t hesitate to voice your concerns. You are the best advocate for yourself and possess the most intimate knowledge of your body and values.
Listening to your intuition can sometimes be a matter of life and death. I recently encountered a woman who graciously shared her birth story with me. After giving birth, she felt unwell at discharge. She communicated this to her nurse, who checked her vitals. Although her blood pressure was borderline high, it didn’t meet the clinical criteria for concern. Her healthcare team attributed her symptoms to exhaustion and anxiety, dismissing her worries. Against her better judgment, she went home but soon returned with dangerously elevated blood pressure levels, resulting in a diagnosis of severe preeclampsia. This situation could have had dire consequences if not for her medical background, which empowered her to seek help.
When something feels off, I urge you to trust your body. Even if your healthcare team, friends, or family members downplay your symptoms, listen to that inner voice. Speak up if you’re uncomfortable with a care plan, and don’t hesitate to find someone who will truly listen to you.
If you find it challenging to be heard, seek assistance. Your well-being should never be compromised; if you feel unheard or uncertain about your care, pursue a second opinion. Many women are socialized to be accommodating and selfless, often putting their needs last—especially during pregnancy and motherhood. Remember, taking care of yourself is vital not only for your health but also for your baby’s well-being.
I once witnessed a tragic case during my training involving a rare complication called an amniotic fluid embolism, which has a high mortality rate. The sorrow of telling a partner that he had lost his wife is something I hope to never experience again. Such tragedies underscore the importance of paying attention to signs and listening to patients when they express concerns.
Trust your instincts, advocate for yourself, and be relentless when faced with dismissal. You are the expert on your body!
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Summary:
This article emphasizes the importance of trusting your instincts and advocating for your own healthcare. It highlights the disconnect that can occur between healthcare providers and patients, particularly in labor and delivery situations. It encourages women to listen to their bodies, speak up when they feel their concerns are dismissed, and seek support when necessary. The narrative underscores the critical nature of patient-centered care and the necessity of self-advocacy in ensuring one’s well-being.
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