78 | The Impact of Care - Sharita & Anthony Thompson

When Sharita and Anthony began to prep for their second child's birth, they followed the plan from their first's birth. Receiving care from the same OB, hiring a doula, and utilizing support strategies through hypnobirthing. Like her first pregnancy, Sharita began having some concerns with her blood pressure into her third trimester, as her readings were starting to be pretty high. Following the advice from her mother, a retired high-risk obstetrician (OB), at 34 weeks, she requested a full portfolio of tests done to see what was going on. However, she was surprised and concerned when her OB refused to do any of the testings. Reflecting with her husband about the situation, they decided changing care providers would be best for their birth plan.Upon switching providers, her requests for testing and concerns were supported, and based on results; they decided that at 37 weeks, Sharita would be scheduled for an induction. Moving through the early stages of the induction, they expected a similar experience to their sons but soon realized that it would be a different story after a day of no change. They weren't expecting over the next five days were the tactics of aggressive intimidation and the assault on Sharita from their care team.And while they left the hospital with a beautiful baby girl, they spent the beginning of their postpartum trying to piece together and heal from the trauma they endured during her birth. Sharita and Anthony are on the up end of their healing and what keeps them grounded is that for them, they did everything right - the assault was not their fault! Their story sheds light on the most straightforward fact, everyone deserves informed, consent focused, family-centered care because our experiences live with us forever.Resources:HypnoBirthing | classes for parents who strive for gentle, calm, and natural childbirthParentPhiphany | an innovative learning platform for parentsDoulas of Phoenix | doula support