C-section
“I was told my cervix are open and I’m going to miscarry. I left absolutely devastated, the next day I go for my ultrasound where they found a strong and healthy heart beat and baby (of course). I then continued on, receiving prenatal care from my GP until about 27ish weeks then I was sent on to the OB. My first appointment was terrible, the OB body shamed me, stated that if my BMI was to rise any higher I would not be able to deliver in this hospital and that I need to watch what I eat. I left the office in absolute hysterics.“
Read MoreNeglect at Montfort Hospital - Ottawa, Ontario
“You cannot operate on my body like I’m not human and treat me like I’m not human. I deserve to know what happened and if this is part of procedures then it needs to be changed. Clearly the hospital procedures do not in any shape or form consider the life of the mother. I was treated as a human shell and shortly discarded. ”
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Read MoreAM's Story - Prince County Hospital, Summerside, Prince Edward Island
“I believe it is important as pregnant women to educate ourselves on our rights. That we can say no and drs/nurses have to listen to that as they need our consent. What they say is not law, we are the ones that are in control of the birth and we can’t let medical staff take that power. Advocate for yourself, and if you’re unable/uncomfortable to do so arm your partner with information so they can advocate on your behalf and hire a Doula.“
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Read MoreE.P.'s Story - St. Joseph's Health Centre, Toronto, Ontario
“For my second pregnancy, I did everything I possibly could to get a midwife. My second birth experience - still in hospital, but led by my midwife - was calm and peaceful. It was still very slow, but my midwife allowed me to progress in the way that my body wanted, and asked for my consent for EVERY intervention. I felt in control, as she gave me advice and allowed ME to make choices. I had a successful VBAC in 2017. When my baby emerged, he was placed on my chest. We were able to gaze at each other and bond as I was stitched up. It was one of the greatest moments of my life.”
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Read MoreVB's Story - Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario
“I would like to file a formal complaint but haven’t had the time to figure out how to do this as I’m caring for a young baby. I hope it is not too late to do so once I have time and figure out how.”
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Read MoreL.B.'s Story - Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario
“In the surgery room they expected me to move myself from the bed to the operating table even though I had an epidural in for the last 8 hours and couldn't move my legs. Eventually one of the students in the room told me to put my hands around her neck and she would pull me over. As she did this, unknowingly my epidural catheter shifted. I was alone and scared as my husband wasn't allowed in until they had started and I was freezing! Once they began they asked me if I could feel it and I said yes. They said is it dull or sharp and I said sharp. They asked me this question a few more times and each time I told them it was a sharp pain. I was told they are just going to start and if it's too much to let them know. At this point my husband was allowed to enter the room. I was shaking so violently on the table and just wanted to cry so badly. Feeling every cut, and tug, and tear I finally remember my son being born and hearing the first cry. After that came pain so unbearable that I was put under general anesthesia.”
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Submitted by Jen