Module 04:
Promoting Respectful Maternity and Newborn Care
Welcome to the fourth module in the ERMC course. This module has been developed to further your knowledge of the consequences of disrespectful care for women during labor and birth and ways to promote ERMC. A list of resource requirements to promote ERMC is also provided, as well as an example of a case scenario of providing ERMC. Finally, this module will end with a post-course completion survey that includes reflection on equity and respect in maternity care.
Module 04:
Promoting Respectful Maternity and Newborn Care
Welcome to the fourth module in the ERMC course. This module has been developed to further your knowledge of the consequences of disrespectful care for women during labor and birth and ways to promote ERMC. A list of resource requirements to promote ERMC is also provided, as well as an example of a case scenario of providing ERMC. Finally, this module will end with a post-course completion survey that includes reflection on equity and respect in maternity care.
Awareness
Key Recommendations
AW1:
Be aware of and discuss your own birth philosophy and approach in early interactions with patients, and clearly define your role and boundaries.
- Respect and honor patients’ approaches that may be different from your own personal views.
AW2:
Develop conscious awareness of your own personal biases that may impact the care you provide and take action to mitigate them.
- Call out and discuss instances of obstetric racism in your setting.
AW3:
Elicit patients’ previous pregnancy and birthing experiences to understand any previous negative or positive experiences, including traumatic birth or specific fears.
Rationale
When women have been ignored, insulted, violated, or otherwise disrespected by other healthcare teams, they may avoid seeking medical care or particular interventions.
Engaging with women to hear their stories can help humanize their experiences, develop mutual understanding, and rebuild trust lost through previous experiences.
Awareness of both implicit and explicit bias can help caregivers and team members recognize disrespectful care and empower individuals to speak up and call attention to it.
