Hundreds of thousands of women made their voices heard at the historic marches at the end of January. First, there was the March for Life / Prolife March in Washington, DC, where men, women and children marched in solidarity for the unborn. In the Women’s March, people stood up for equality and respect.
What do these marches have in common? It’s all about standing up for ourselves, speaking out for those who can’t speak, for the weak and vulnerable. It’s speaking up about injustice and unfairness and bringing attention to the issues that matter most to women.
And what are the issues that matter most to women? Ask any woman and she will tell you what is important in her life: things such as job and career opportunities, respect, affordable childcare, equality, medical coverage – anything that will improve her life and protect her right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
In the work I do with marriage and childbirth, it’s crucial to speak up for yourself. Express your needs and desires. Ask for, expect, and demand the respect and dignity you deserve just for being a human being. Our culture does not hold women up on pedestals. We marginalize certain members of society.
Nowhere is the patronizing of women more prevalent than in the hospital delivery room. Thousands of women all across the country will end up with a disappointing childbirth experience where the expectant mother feels as if she has no voice in one of the most important events of her life, the birth of her baby.
Take back your birth by taking charge: take charge of your birth. SAY NO to the excessive use of technology; SAY NO to a practice that tells you that you must have routine ultrasounds, that you must be induced and that you need a C-section. Where is the outrage? I want to inspire women to quietly plan for their birth experience and assert themselves throughout their pregnancy as well as at the birth of their baby.
Be aware that your goals and the medical establishment’s goals are often two different things. Medical professionals want to do their job to the best of their ability, while avoiding lawsuits. Do not absicate your power to someone else; instead, approach your birth experience according to your inner desires, knowledge and intuition. Be careful of letting other people’s opinions sway you. You are not likely to have a high level of satisfaction if you are told what to do by professionals, by people who don’t know you.
Standing up for yourself is important because you are your best advocate in a world where there are many confusing and competing opinions. Giving birth should be something we don’t fear or abdicate to someone else; it is an event in which we can be inspired, encouraged and grateful.
