I'm hoping for some reassurance but would rather know it "how it is" than sugar-coated so please be honest...
There are a lot of threads on mumsnet which refer to care, especially after birth, being shall we say less than optimal in the kindness and sensitivity department. And I realise a lot of this has to do with understaffing etc, but...
I am very worried because I was sexually assaulted as a child and many years on, even the most ordinary medical procedures can still be difficult because of the memories they can trigger. I know this isn't particularly logical but I understand it's quite a common response.
It is very important for me not to have people "just do things" to me without telling me, asking and gaining permission before touching or doing anything to me, and having someone I know and trust with me to hold my hand and keep me grounded.
I am terrified that from all I've heard about the expectation being that you should leave your dignity at the door, this just can't/won't happen. I am especially worried for the time after birth, if I have to stay in hospital on my own and my partner is sent home because of visiting times.
I am, unfortunately, by no means alone in having these issues - so would like to think midwives are used to it and will react sensitively?
Also - I guess this is a question for midwives/doulas or those in the same situation as me - is there anything I can do (before, to prepare and also whilst in hospital) to help with this and not be a "problem patient"? People are busy enough without having patients demanding special treatment because of "issues" and I don't want to cause trouble!
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Childbirth
sensitive midwives?
changeofnameforthispost · 13/07/2008 19:07
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