Robyn.Bowles.es

I recently had the privilege of attending a meeting of “El Parto Es Nuestro” (“The Birth Is Ours”). EPEN is a Spanish group with chapters around the country whose purpose is to provide support to women who have experienced traumatic births; to improve the conditions for mothers and babies during pregnancy, labor & delivery and postpartum; and to modernize the Spanish OB system by advocating for compliance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization in regards to pregnancy and birth.

I was grateful that my friend Natalia joined me as I knew I’d need help with some translation. There were about 30 people in attendance and the group was made up of midwives, pregnant women, mothers, fathers, three nursing infants, two toddlers and a little girl.

Those who had given birth shared their stories, sadly the stories were full of reports of rude and poor treatment by the hospital staff. Although the outcome for each was a healthy baby, the experience left them feeling abused, angry and disappointed. I felt for these couples, as I, too shared my own similar story.

The pregnant women expressed desires for a natural birth and the accompanying fears that unless they delivered at home, it wouldn’t happen as they dream. They also shared that friends and family don’t support their desires and don’t understand why they would want to refuse the highly medicalized treatment typically received in Spain. The irony is that just two generations ago, it was not so medicalized: the parents of these women were most likely born naturally at home.

It was hard for me to understand everything being said as the emotions ran high causing people to speak very fast, and for multiple people to speak at once! But Natalia was a big help, and would summarize what was being said. I, too, had the opportunity to share and was complemented on my speaking ability – but it’s easier for me to speak than it is to understand as I get to choose the words I know!

In the midst of it I felt the anger and frustration shared by so many against a system that is very stubborn to change. Yet I was encouraged to encounter others who felt as I do, and who are doing what they can to make a difference. And although it is very slow, change is happening largely in part due to this group. For example in the Communidad of Andalucía where we live, as of last month women will now have the choice to birth in a vertical position in those hospitals that make birthing stools available.

I look forward to attending regular meetings and learning more about what I can do to make a difference.

If you’d like to know more about the practice of labor and delivery care in Spain, you can read this article in English.

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