Giving birth should be a momentous adventure in the best sense of the word. Yet, for many women, this experience is marred by hurtful words, unwanted actions, or a profound lack of understanding. Behind the reassuring walls of maternity wards, a far less idyllic reality sometimes lurks.<\/p>\n
Around the world, women report childbirth experiences that were harsh, humiliating, or dehumanizing. While the medicalization of birth has led to dramatic improvements in safety, it has also sometimes distanced the human element from the heart of care. For several years , the World Health Organization has been raising the alarm<\/a> about practices ranging from the unjustified refusal of pain relief to the use of medical procedures without consent, as well as patronizing or guilt-inducing remarks.<\/p>\n These situations are not limited to precarious contexts. Even in countries with efficient healthcare systems, many women report feeling invisible, or even dispossessed, of their own childbirth. Yet, the subjective experience of this birth plays a fundamental role in postpartum mental and emotional health. A birth experienced as violent can leave lasting scars, far beyond the delivery room.<\/p>\n In France, a study<\/a> has put figures on this widespread but pervasive feeling. Nearly one in four women reports having experienced care perceived as disrespectful during childbirth. This can take the form of inappropriate remarks, an authoritarian tone, a lack of explanation, or procedures performed without consent.<\/p>\n These behaviors, sometimes minimized, nevertheless have a measurable impact. The women concerned exhibit more symptoms of postpartum depression, with a significantly higher risk than in the general population. In other words, the emotional and relational climate of childbirth directly influences the psychological well-being of mothers, both in the short and long term.<\/p>\n This phenomenon knows no borders. Investigations conducted in Africa, Latin America, and Southern Europe echo similar accounts: women tied up without explanation, deprived of privacy, verbally threatened, or treated without regard for their emotions and choices. Some describe their childbirth as an ordeal marked by fear rather than trust.<\/p>\n Speaking out often remains difficult. Shame, fear of not being believed, or the legal ambiguity surrounding these practices discourage people from sharing their stories. Yet, groups, associations, and researchers are working to document these experiences, give them a voice, and transform these narratives into catalysts for change.<\/p>\n The psychological repercussions of disrespectful care are now clearly established. Beyond postpartum depression, a growing number of studies<\/a> are highlighting perinatal post-traumatic stress. A birth experienced as a loss of control, a lack of respect, or a breach of trust can have a lasting impact on one's relationship with oneself, one's body, the baby, and even future pregnancies.<\/p>\n These disorders are neither rare nor insignificant. They influence the quality of the mother-child bond, self-esteem, and sometimes the desire for motherhood in the long term. Therefore, taking care of perinatal mental health is also taking care of society as a whole.<\/p>\n In many contexts, these situations are still considered isolated incidents rather than symptoms of a system under strain. Yet, research shows that this is a structural phenomenon, fueled by overworked teams, a lack of communication training, rigid hierarchies, and a culture of care that is sometimes more focused on the procedure than on the person.<\/p>\n Fortunately, initiatives are emerging. Training in active listening, explicit integration of consent into protocols, development of support by doulas or perinatal mediators: all promising avenues to humanize practices and empower women.<\/p>\n Ensuring respectful care is not a luxury, it is a public health necessity. The WHO calls for placing dignity, compassion, communication, and consent at the heart of the birthing process. This is not about pitting women against healthcare providers, but about building together a culture of care based on trust, cooperation, and mutual respect.<\/p>\n In short, a truly successful birth isn't measured solely by medical parameters. It's also recognized by the sense of security, support, and inner strength the woman experiences. Providing this allows mothers to begin their parenting journey with strength, serenity, and confidence\u2014and ultimately, it's the greatest gift the healthcare system can give them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Giving birth should be a momentous adventure in the best sense of the word. Yet, for many women,...","protected":false},"author":8395,"featured_media":432820,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable_msn":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6134],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-432815","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-grossesse"],"image":{"medium":["https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Daryl-Wilkerson-Jr-_-Pexels-200x113.jpg",200,113,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Daryl-Wilkerson-Jr-_-Pexels-500x281.jpg",500,281,true]},"custom":{"td_video":"","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Daryl-Wilkerson-Jr-_-Pexels.jpg","author":{"name":"Clelia Campardon","avatar":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/clelia-96x96.jpg"},"categories":[{"term_id":6134,"name":"Pregnancy","slug":"grossesse","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":6306,"taxonomy":"category","description":" The Pregnancy section of The Body Optimist supports moms-to-be from trying to conceive to giving birth: prenatal care, nutrition, common discomforts, mental health and your rights during childbirth. It's written for every pregnant woman, whatever her body size, with clear information and no pressure to be perfect.<\/p>\n Prenatal care can be provided by a midwife, an OB-GYN or a family doctor, depending on where you live and on your health needs. It usually includes regular checkups, ultrasounds and screening tests, on a schedule that varies from country to country and with your situation. Use these visits to talk about your plans, your needs and your worries, not just the medical checks. Don't wait for your next appointment to report anything unusual: bleeding, fever, pain, early contractions or fewer baby movements are all reasons to get medical care quickly.<\/p>\n Being pregnant in a fat or curvy body deserves the same attention and respect as any other pregnancy. Your weight may lead your care team to suggest certain tests, such as screening for gestational diabetes, but it never justifies hurtful comments or being weighed without explanation. You can ask why a test is being offered, point out equipment that doesn't fit, such as a blood pressure cuff that's too small, and switch providers if the trust isn't there. Weight gain during pregnancy varies from one woman to another: talk it over with your provider rather than comparing yourself to others.<\/p>\n No idealized nine months here: we also talk about fatigue, doubts, changing bodies and care that sometimes feels disrespectful. Every pregnancy is different, and every mom-to-be has the right to be informed and to make her own choices. The articles in this section provide general information and do not replace advice from a healthcare professional, whether a midwife or a doctor.<\/p>\n Common advice is to avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish and eggs, unpasteurized (raw-milk) cheeses, some deli meats and raw shellfish, because of the risk of toxoplasmosis, listeriosis or salmonella. Health authorities in many countries recommend no alcohol at all throughout pregnancy. Your midwife or doctor will tailor this advice to your situation.<\/p>\n In most cases, yes: unless your provider has advised against it, suitable physical activity is encouraged. Walking, swimming, prenatal yoga and gentle workouts are usually well tolerated. Avoid contact sports and activities with a risk of falling, and check your routine with the professional who is following your pregnancy.<\/p>\n Talk to your midwife or doctor at any prenatal or postpartum visit. Persistent sadness, overwhelming anxiety or the feeling that you can't cope are not signs of weakness: perinatal depression is treatable, and psychological support can be offered to you.<\/p>\n Want to go further? Head to the Health section<\/a>, take care of yourself day to day with Well-being<\/a>, and find support for life after birth in the Parenting section<\/a>.<\/p>","parent":360,"count":95,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":6134,"category_count":95,"category_description":" The Pregnancy section of The Body Optimist supports moms-to-be from trying to conceive to giving birth: prenatal care, nutrition, common discomforts, mental health and your rights during childbirth. It's written for every pregnant woman, whatever her body size, with clear information and no pressure to be perfect.<\/p>\n Prenatal care can be provided by a midwife, an OB-GYN or a family doctor, depending on where you live and on your health needs. It usually includes regular checkups, ultrasounds and screening tests, on a schedule that varies from country to country and with your situation. Use these visits to talk about your plans, your needs and your worries, not just the medical checks. Don't wait for your next appointment to report anything unusual: bleeding, fever, pain, early contractions or fewer baby movements are all reasons to get medical care quickly.<\/p>\n Being pregnant in a fat or curvy body deserves the same attention and respect as any other pregnancy. Your weight may lead your care team to suggest certain tests, such as screening for gestational diabetes, but it never justifies hurtful comments or being weighed without explanation. You can ask why a test is being offered, point out equipment that doesn't fit, such as a blood pressure cuff that's too small, and switch providers if the trust isn't there. Weight gain during pregnancy varies from one woman to another: talk it over with your provider rather than comparing yourself to others.<\/p>\n No idealized nine months here: we also talk about fatigue, doubts, changing bodies and care that sometimes feels disrespectful. Every pregnancy is different, and every mom-to-be has the right to be informed and to make her own choices. The articles in this section provide general information and do not replace advice from a healthcare professional, whether a midwife or a doctor.<\/p>\n Common advice is to avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish and eggs, unpasteurized (raw-milk) cheeses, some deli meats and raw shellfish, because of the risk of toxoplasmosis, listeriosis or salmonella. Health authorities in many countries recommend no alcohol at all throughout pregnancy. Your midwife or doctor will tailor this advice to your situation.<\/p>\n In most cases, yes: unless your provider has advised against it, suitable physical activity is encouraged. Walking, swimming, prenatal yoga and gentle workouts are usually well tolerated. Avoid contact sports and activities with a risk of falling, and check your routine with the professional who is following your pregnancy.<\/p>\n Talk to your midwife or doctor at any prenatal or postpartum visit. Persistent sadness, overwhelming anxiety or the feeling that you can't cope are not signs of weakness: perinatal depression is treatable, and psychological support can be offered to you.<\/p>\n Want to go further? Head to the Health section<\/a>, take care of yourself day to day with Well-being<\/a>, and find support for life after birth in the Parenting section<\/a>.<\/p>","cat_name":"Pregnancy","category_nicename":"grossesse","category_parent":360}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/432815","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8395"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=432815"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/432815\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":433450,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/432815\/revisions\/433450"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/432820"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=432815"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=432815"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=432815"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}} France, a mirror of this reality<\/h2>\n
A reality shared beyond borders<\/h2>\n
Profound consequences for mental health<\/h2>\n
Breaking free from institutional denial<\/h2>\n
For a gentle, but determined revolution in care<\/h2>\n
What you'll find in the Pregnancy section<\/h2>\n
\n
What does prenatal care involve?<\/h2>\n
Pregnant and plus-size: how do you get good care?<\/h2>\n
Our approach<\/h2>\n
Articles to get you started<\/h2>\n
\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n
What foods should you avoid during pregnancy?<\/h3>\n
Can you exercise while pregnant?<\/h3>\n
Who can you talk to when your mood takes a dip, before or after birth?<\/h3>\n
What you'll find in the Pregnancy section<\/h2>\n
\n
What does prenatal care involve?<\/h2>\n
Pregnant and plus-size: how do you get good care?<\/h2>\n
Our approach<\/h2>\n
Articles to get you started<\/h2>\n
\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n
What foods should you avoid during pregnancy?<\/h3>\n
Can you exercise while pregnant?<\/h3>\n
Who can you talk to when your mood takes a dip, before or after birth?<\/h3>\n