A few weeks ago we talked about the concept of obstetric violence and it was an issue that, without a doubt, aroused a wide debate.
I promised you to look for a form I had found that detailed what can be considered obstetric violence, reason for complaint currently included in the legislation of some countries such as Argentina.
An assisted delivery, although it is necessary to apply medication, forceps or to perform a cesarean section or an episiotomy does not have to be aggressive or imply a bad praxis, as they may be necessary and done with respect. However, when the treatment of the parturient is inconsiderate, aggressive, or rights such as information are denied or no necessary techniques are applied if it could be according to the point of view that considers these practices as a violent way of attending childbirth.
He Obstetric Violence Test That recovery has been carried out by several Argentine organizations such as Giving Light and Libertarian Maternity, and offers information on the law that includes this assumption and the way to report if it is considered to have been a victim of it.
While you were in the clinic or hospital, with labor contractions,Did the health staff make ironic, disqualifying or joking comments about your behavior?
Did they treat you with nicknames (fat) or diminutive (chubby-mommy-little daughter) as if you were a child unable to understand the processes you are going through?
Were you criticized for crying or screaming in pain, emotion, joy, during labor and / or delivery?
Was it difficult or impossible to ask or express your fears or concerns because they didn't answer you or did it in a bad way?
Were any or several of the following medical procedures performed without asking for your consent or explaining why they were necessary? Shaving of the genitals, enema, indication of remaining in bed all the time, artificial rupture of the bag, administration of medication or drip to "speed up" the delivery, repeated vaginal touches performed by different people, compression of the abdomen at the time of the bids, episiotomy, cesarean section and scraping of the uterus without anesthesia.
At the time of delivery, were you forced to lie on your back even if you manifested your discomfort in that position?
Were you forced to stay in bed preventing you from walking or looking for positions according to your needs?
Were you prevented from being accompanied by someone you trust?
Were you prevented from immediate contact with your newborn daughter before the neonatologist took her for control? (pet him, hold him, watch sex, talk to him, breastfeed, etc.)
After delivery, did you feel that you had not lived up to what was expected (that you had not "collaborated")?
Could you say that the experience of childbirth care made you feel vulnerable, guilty or insecure?
According to this test, I would undoubtedly have been subjected to obstetric violence if such a concept were included in Spanish legislation. As in fact there is no such reason for complaint, I made mine for other reasons and I must say that the response was moderately positive, because although I did not report, if I filed my complaint in patient care and many of those practices, in the hospital in the That my son was born have already changed, at least in regard to the separation of the baby.
I would like to ask you if the treatment you received would fit into any of these assumptions and if you think this obstetric violence test It would help women get better care in their births.
