I once talked to a new mum who mentioned how scared she felt after giving birth. She had just had a C-section and didn’t want to feel like she was bothering the staff. She went on to say that the first three days postpartum felt like hell on earth, not because of the pain, but because she desperately needed extra assistance and didn’t want to come across as needy or difficult. She stayed quiet, hoping someone would notice. That conversation has stayed with me because no mother should ever feel that way, especially in the delivery room or during recovery.
Giving birth can be overwhelming. Between contractions, bright lights, rushed conversations, and unfamiliar medical terms, it’s easy for a mother to feel powerless. But one of the most important things every expectant mother should know is this: you have rights in the delivery room. Your voice matters. Your consent matters. And you deserve to understand what is happening to your body at every stage of labour and delivery.
Informed consent simply means that before any medical procedure is done, your healthcare provider should explain what they are proposing, why it’s necessary, what the risks and benefits are, and what alternatives exist. Most importantly, you have the right to ask questions and to agree, or refuse, without being pressured or made to feel guilty. This applies whether you are giving birth in a public hospital, a private facility, or a faith-based hospital in Kenya.
Many women hear terms like “episiotomy” or “emergency C-section” for the first time while in active labour. In that moment, fear can take over, and it may feel easier to just nod and comply. However, even in urgent situations, a doctor or midwife should still explain what is happening in clear, simple language. For example, if an episiotomy is being suggested, you have the right to know why it’s needed, whether it’s absolutely necessary, and what recovery might look like. You also have the right to ask if there is another option.
To make this easier, preparation matters. Attending antenatal or Lamaze classes helps parents understand common procedures before labour begins, so decisions don’t feel overwhelming in the moment. This is where Malaica comes in, supporting expectant parents with education, guidance, and practical classes that help you feel informed, confident, and ready for birth.
The same applies to C-sections. While some C-sections are planned, others happen unexpectedly. Being told, “We need to take you to the theatre now,” can be terrifying. Informed consent doesn’t disappear in emergencies. You should still be told what the concern is, whether it’s fetal distress, prolonged labour, or another complication and what the surgery involves. Even a brief explanation can make a huge difference in how a mother processes the experience later.
Respect in the delivery room goes beyond medical procedures. It also means being listened to when you say you are in pain, when something doesn’t feel right, or when you need help. Asking for assistance to get out of bed after surgery, to breastfeed, or to use the bathroom is not being needy. It is part of postpartum care. Silence should never be the price a mother pays to be seen as “strong.”
Kenyan law and medical ethics support a patient’s right to dignity, privacy, and information. You have the right to know who is attending to you, to have your concerns taken seriously, and to have a birth companion where hospital policy allows. You also have the right to say no to a procedure you do not understand or are uncomfortable with, unless your life or your baby’s life is in immediate danger.
One of the biggest barriers to informed consent is fear, fear of being judged, ignored, or labelled as difficult. But advocating for yourself is not disrespectful. It is responsible. If speaking up feels hard during labour, consider discussing your preferences during antenatal visits. Ask your provider how they handle consent, emergencies, and communication. Writing down your questions or birth preferences can also help you feel more confident.
For partners and support people, your role is crucial. Sometimes, the mother is too exhausted or overwhelmed to speak. Having someone who can ask questions, request explanations, or simply say, “She needs help right now,” can change the entire experience.
That new mum I spoke to didn’t need heroics. She needed reassurance that her needs were valid and that asking for help was allowed. Every mother deserves that reassurance. Understanding your rights in the delivery room isn’t about challenging doctors or refusing care. It’s about partnership. It’s about being respected, heard, and fully informed as you bring life into the world.
If there is one thing to remember, it’s this: your body, your birth, your voice. Even in the busiest hospital ward, even in the middle of an emergency, you deserve care that includes consent, compassion, and clear communication.