This #CaesareanAwarenessMonth is filled with heartbreaking stories of infant loss that could’ve been prevented by #caesareanbirth. This family would still have their child if prev EMCS was acknowledged & VBAC hadn’t been promoted. 1/8 https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/people/heartbroken-yorkshire-mother-launches-campaign-after-baby-daughters-tragic-brain-damage-death-3210357

In #Oxfordshire with @TeamOUHMat @OUHospitals if you’ve had a previous #caesarean you have a discussion at the FIRST midwife appt which involves “STRONG RECOMMENDATION OF VBAC”. This statement alone highlights that this is not unbiased #informedconsent they are seeking. 2/8

But it gets worse- despite @DOckendenLtd’s findings re the horrific impact of the drive for ‘normal birth at any cost’, the schedule of MW contact requires discussion & completion of a “PROMOTING NORMAL BIRTH SHEET”- again where is the #informedbirthchoice or #informedconsent 3/8

The “PROMOTING NORMAL BIRTH: CHOOSING & PLANNING PLACE OF BIRTH” (16 weeks) sheet has no mention of #caesarean birth. How does this fully inform women & birthing people of their birth options? How is this respectful or #ethical? 4/8

It’s not until 36 weeks (3 weeks before an elective caesarean would likely occur!) that an agreement re birth choice is made with the community midwife. This is not a #shareddecision in healthcare- this is an #unethical biased process that actively discourages caesareans. 5/8

ALL modes of birth should be discussed & available for ALL. If you choose an #electivecaesarean you should not have to ‘fight’ for your right, & you & your baby should not be put through unnecessary stress. #BodilyAutonomy in birth should be respected. 6/8

Beyond highlighting the lack of authentic shared decision making around birth choices, this process also screams of #misogyny. Not accurately informing women of the risks of ALL modes of birth is doing more than failing women, it’s causing #unethical #intentionalharm 7/8

I’d like to know if there are any plans to change this paperwork from @OUHospitals @TeamOUHMat to ensure a more balanced approach that ensures authentic #informedconsent instead of coercion- @WJR2013 @Prof_JonMont? 8/8

@DOckendenLtd is this paperwork the standard nationally?
This thread may be of interest @PaulineMHull @MartynPitman @robllewelyn @JamesTitcombe @NadineMontgmery @NadineDorries @birthrightsorg @BirthTrauma