Ep. 211: Ethics in The Birth Room

What happens when something doesn’t feel right during labor or birth, but you don’t know what to do, who to call, or even what to name it?In this eye-opening episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh is joined by Dr. Jennifer Dunatov, a healthcare ethicist with nearly 20 years of experience working inside hospital systems. Together, they unpack what ethics really looks like in labor and delivery and why it’s a vastly underutilized (but incredibly important) resource for birthing people, families, doulas, and clinicians.Dr. Dunatov shares how becoming a mother herself transformed her work, leading her to focus on birth ethics after hearing countless stories of consent violations, loss of autonomy, and traumatic care. She explains what clinical ethicists actually do, how ethics consults work in real time, and how they can help amplify patient voices even when something has already gone wrong.This episode is essential listening for anyone who has experienced birth trauma, is preparing to give birth, or works in maternity care.In this episode, we discuss:What healthcare ethics actually is (and why it’s not boring 😉)How ethics shows up in labor & delivery and why it’s often invisibleCommon ethical violations in birth, including lack of consent and shared decision-makingThe difference between ethics consults and patient advocacy servicesWhether ethics can be involved after a traumatic or harmful birth experienceHow fear of liability influences provider decision-makingWhy documentation in medical charts matters more than you thinkHow ethics consults can lead to accountability and systemic change not just “checking a box”Who can request an ethics consult (hint: anyone)Exactly what to say if you want to request an ethics consult in the hospitalWhy you don’t need the “right language” to advocate for yourself, your gut is enoughKey takeaway:If something doesn’t feel right during your care, you are allowed to say so and there are people inside the system whose job is to listen, name the issue, and advocate with you.Resources & Guest Info:Dr. Jennifer DunatovHealthcare Ethicist | Birth Ethics AdvocateInstagram: @notraumamama (transitioning to @jenniferdunatov)Website: jenniferdunatov.com or notraumamama.comIf this episode resonated with you:Please consider sharing it with a friend, doula, provider, or loved one. Visibility saves people and knowledge is power.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.