User:Mel419/sandbox

Abuse during childbirth is a culmination of husbands and doctors disrespecting the wishes of the mother, which often results in harm to herself and the child. A study done base on 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study, showed the correlation between the violent nature shown towards the women and postpartum depression. The abuse these women suffer isn't always physical and isn't always intentional violence. Some women lack the proper care, face abandonment, or are restricted from receiving the proper care. The abuse cycle does not end with the husband/father. Often times the medical professionals play a big role. Mothers are often forced to undergo unwanted procedures such as the husband's stitch discussed above. Verbal abuse is most commonly found in the healthcare facilities by the healthcare providers. A study published by the Taylor & Francis Group in Ghana recounts the experiences of many women who arrived at a healthcare facility to give birth and were met with a scolding or frightening yelling for various reasons. "Women acknowledged that health care providers often yelled at them because they did not arrive at the health facility with the required items for childbirth (e.g. sanitary pads, mackintosh, soap and baby dresses) or they did not assume the “required” position for childbirth." Mothers are also insulted due to their age. This study focused on women from 15-49; the younger mothers were looked down upon for getting pregnant so young, often times unmarried.

The physical aspect of the abuse is the most concerning. The healthcare providers are by no means gentle or supportive during the labor process. If a woman was unsuccessful in pushing right away nurses and midwives will make diminishing comments followed by slapping or pinching. According to the study those methods were not always considered harmful. Some women believed it was necessary to, "ensure safe child- birth," even if they didn't like being hit. One woman recalls being hit with a cane and slapped on the thigh which made her conscious and able to push correctly. However, more often than not they are left to feel helpless during one of the most high stress moments of their lives due to the apathetic attitude of many of the nurses. Some mothers describe themselves or others going through labor alone because the nurses are all gathered to socialize around a table. When asked about their view on the mistreatment, there were a range of answers going from strong opinions against it to believing it is necessary for a safe birth. Although most mothers prefer to not be mistreated and when asked again if they would return to a healthcare facility some of them stated they would rather do a home birth.

Even though there is still a long way to go there has been a substantial amount of improvement since 1988. "A recent country-wide survey in 2015 indicated that 97% of pregnant women obtained antenatal care from a skilled provider compared to 82% in 1988." When you compare these results with those of other richer countries, they don't look as progressive.

This section will be inserted following the section labeled "Countries" which is being edited and added to as well.

One challenge I faced was trying to make sure I was citing everything correctly and not plagiarizing by accident.