Abuse in labour.

Being told that you will not be admitted until someone has put their fingers into your vagina is abuse.⠀⠀

Being told that your birth partner will not be let in until you have had someone’s fingers in your vagina is abuse.⠀⠀

Being forced to lie down while in labour is abuse.⠀⠀

Being shouted at while in labour is abuse.⠀⠀

Being laughed at or belittled while in labour is abuse.⠀⠀

Being actively ignored while in labour is abuse.⠀⠀

Being denied pain relief for no medical reason when you have requested it is abuse.⠀⠀

Being removed or not considered in the decision making process for your care is abuse.⠀⠀

Let’s stop making apologies for shoddy maternal care. We know that our vulnerabilities are open for abuse by those for whom a tick box on a form is more important than the person standing in front of them.⠀⠀

Women should not be having to reach out or yearn for kind and generous care in labour and birth. It should come as standard.⠀⠀

Please, let’s make birth better. Call this behaviour what it is. Abuse.⠀