Informed Consent and Your Birthing Experience
By Valerie Jacques, RN, CPM, NHCM
Informed consent is consent given by a client (pregnant mom) after having received detailed information regarding the proposal of any medical treatment. Every woman is entitled to decide whatever is performed on her body…any procedure done without her explicit consent may be construed as bodily assault.
The purpose of informed consent is many fold, and includes: maintaining trust between Mom and Midwives (or other health professionals), enabling Mom to participate in the decision making process when it comes to her care, avert patronizing attitudes by practitioners, minimize doubt and maximize information, and to ensure control by Mom against infringement of privacy.
Explanations given to Mom before informed consent is obtained include: detailed information as to the nature of Mom’s care (purpose, benefits, chances of success), risks associated with care (including potential side effects), and chances and risks associated with alternative therapies or lack of treatment.
Moms are encouraged to discuss topics of concern with several health professionals as well as to research other available resources. One final note… due to variability of any given situation, not all circumstances can be predicted. Your health professional will provide the best information available in order to help you make the best possible decisions for you and your baby.
Valerie Jacques is a NH Certified Midwife, a Certified Professional Midwife, an RN, and the owner/operator of Coastal Family Birth Retreat in Stratham, NH. She can be reached at 603-502-9452, or at www.coastalfamilybirthretreat.com.
By Valerie Jacques, RN, CPM, NHCM
Informed consent is consent given by a client (pregnant mom) after having received detailed information regarding the proposal of any medical treatment. Every woman is entitled to decide whatever is performed on her body…any procedure done without her explicit consent may be construed as bodily assault.
The purpose of informed consent is many fold, and includes: maintaining trust between Mom and Midwives (or other health professionals), enabling Mom to participate in the decision making process when it comes to her care, avert patronizing attitudes by practitioners, minimize doubt and maximize information, and to ensure control by Mom against infringement of privacy.
Explanations given to Mom before informed consent is obtained include: detailed information as to the nature of Mom’s care (purpose, benefits, chances of success), risks associated with care (including potential side effects), and chances and risks associated with alternative therapies or lack of treatment.
Moms are encouraged to discuss topics of concern with several health professionals as well as to research other available resources. One final note… due to variability of any given situation, not all circumstances can be predicted. Your health professional will provide the best information available in order to help you make the best possible decisions for you and your baby.
Valerie Jacques is a NH Certified Midwife, a Certified Professional Midwife, an RN, and the owner/operator of Coastal Family Birth Retreat in Stratham, NH. She can be reached at 603-502-9452, or at www.coastalfamilybirthretreat.com.
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