Medicalized births are still standard.
France is often regarded as a country that relies wholly on medicalized, medicated births.
Epidurals are the norm (Why go through the pain if you dont have to?"
However, natural childbirth is no longer entirely rare.
I did asknotto be induced if possible, and my wishes were respected.
Women tend to stay longer in the hospital after birth.
Today, women in France usually stay three full days (not including the day of the birth).
For a cesarean section, its at least four.
Women who plan on breastfeeding are given access to a lactation specialist.
Mother and baby are kept together in the hospital room.
This is seen as a crucial component in the babys recuperation.
Breastfeeding is treated as a personal choice.
In France, women often breastfeed just shy of three months.
Recentstatsshow that only 19 percent of mothers are still breastfeeding at six months.
(For comparison, more than80 percentof Norwegian mothers are still breastfeeding at six months.)
It wasn’t until the 21st century that the French government stepped in to proactively promote breastfeeding.
In my personal experience, the choice to breastfeed was left up to me without any pressure either way.
No medical professional ever pushed me to breastfeed or to bottle-feed.
Both options were supported.
“But if she doesnt want to, it makes no sense to force the issue.
In this case, both the baby and the mother are better off bottle-feeding.
Midwives play a large role.
For me, the biggest difference my midwife made after childbirth was the moral support she provided.
The days following discharge are tough for parents who are still getting used to a newborn.
Midwives are often mothers themselves and have an ability to relate to their patients as health care professionalsandhuman beings.
They also allot more time to house calls than a rushed medical rendezvous with a gynecologist or pediatrician.
Women attend perineum reeducation sessions after birth.
I’ve found that Anglophones in France often find this practice somewhat invasive and awkward.
Theres a growing awareness of postpartum depression.
Today however, things are changing for the better in France.
Midwives taking care of women after birth are trained to detect symptoms of postpartum depression.
Wherever youre giving birth, ensure you surround yourself with a positive support system.
