I once spoke with 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 your rights in the delivery room. Your voice and consent matters, and you deserve to understand what is happening to your body at every stage of labour and delivery.
Your Right to Informed Consent During Childbirth
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
- What alternatives exist
- Answers to your questions
Remember, informed consent applies in every delivery room, whether you’re 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.
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 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.
The Right to Be Listened to in the Delivery Room
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 also supports a patient’s right to request and get their health providers’ information. You have the right to know who is attending to you and their qualifications, and to have a birth doula or companion where hospital policy allows.
Birth Preparation to Understand Your Rights in the Delivery Room
To make this easier, preparation matters. Attending your antenatal care clinics as recommended helps you understand your body and your delivery preferences. These appointments also ensure your doctor understands your choices and can discuss any expected complications with you early enough. Your doctor will also help you and your partner understand common procedures before labor begins so that decisions don’t feel overwhelming at the moment.
Another way to prepare for the delivery room is through lamaze or birth preparation classes. These will give you and your partner an idea of what to expect in the delivery room thus instilling more confidence in your decisions.
Our lamaze classes at Malaica Maternity Hospital supports expectant parents with education, guidance, and practical classes that help you feel informed, confident, and ready for birth. This includes your rights and what you’re entitled to in the delivery room.
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. Crafting your birth plan to lay out your preferences can also help you feel more confident in the labor and delivery room.
Download: Free Birth Plan Template to Inspire Yours
How Your Partner Can Enforce Your Rights in the Delivery Room
For partners and support people, your role is crucial. First, ensure you understand what to expect in the delivery room as well as where your support is needed. 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.
Your Rights at Malaica Maternity Hospital Delivery Rooms
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, being respected, heard, and fully informed as you bring life into the world.
This is why at Malaica Maternity Hospital, respecting our patients’ autonomy and rights during labor and childbirth is our top priority. We listen to your preferences, educate you, help you craft a birth plan, and collaborate on your choices. We believe that even in the busiest of times, even in the middle of an emergency, you deserve care that includes consent, compassion, and clear communication.
Curious about how we can support your rights, preferences, and autonomy in our delivery rooms? Call or send us a message at +254 746 610643 to learn more. You can also fill out and submit our online booking form and we’ll call you back.