This Founder's Letter is sponsored by Tommy's, the largest UK pregnancy and baby loss charity 

TRIGGER WARNING: This newsletter discusses pregnancy, child birth and labour

In the UK, around 1 in 3 women and birthing people are now being induced. However, a survey run by the Patient Information Forum found that only 25% of women and birthing people felt prepared by the information they received.

The idea of induction, which is starting the labour process artificially, needs to be spoken about more and be presented as more of an option when giving birth. While I had discussed inductions previously, I will hold my hands up and say I was definitely in the 75% who didn’t feel as prepared as I should have regarding inductions with the classes I took and the information I had.

I also feel that my induction process was left far too late, as my husband wasn’t allowed in the labour room for a significant chunk of time due to Covid. Those that have given birth know that our birth plans can quickly go out of the window. But I had discussed inductions with my husband and if he was allowed in the room earlier, I know he would have advocated for an induction. Like most things in labour, having someone by your side who can speak up for you is invaluable if you want an induction. Also, make sure your partner has done their research on inductions so they feel as prepared as possible.

Beyond your partner, your midwife or doctor should help you think through an induction before and during labour, so do not be afraid to ask questions. I often felt that some questions sounded too silly to ask during my first pregnancy, but no question is too silly.

As a black woman who is talking primarily to black women and birthing people, when it comes to an induction, please remember this is your choice. Your consent is vital and no one, partner or medical professional should be making that decision for you. I felt that far too many things were out of my control against the backdrop of Covid while giving birth, so I want to encourage anyone who is pregnant or thinking about having children in the future, that induction is your choice.

As I continue to navigate this journey of motherhood and experience new “firsts” through my children, but mostly through my eldest, there can be the feeling to grab a time machine and change things, but that is unfortunately not an option. So if I can help just one black woman or birthing person make a birth decision that they feel confident in, then it only adds to the silver lining of my first birth experience.

Visit Tommy's for more information on inducing labour and the entire pregnancy experience