Maria found out she was pregnant with her first son during the first Covid-19 lockdown in France. With little knowledge about pregnancy and birth, she faced the challenge of navigating the medical system in the midst of a global pandemic. At 41 weeks, she was induced, and her son was born in the hospital under the care of midwives.
While Maria left the hospital with a healthy baby boy and overall positive memories, she felt her right to informed consent wasn’t fully respected. The hospital protocols left her feeling like she had lost some of her agency during the process.
In 2023, Maria experienced s pregnancy loss. However, in 2024, she became pregnant again and chose a different path: a home birth. Surrounded by her husband and a midwife, Maria gave birth to her daughter in a peaceful and serene environment, embracing the empowerment and agency she had hoped for.
Maria Toro Bio
Maria is Colombian but has been living in France for 10 years. She is a lawyer and the mother of Gabriel, 4years old and Mia, 4 months old. She lives in a town north of Paris with her husband, labrador, and her two children.
Resources
Site for finding a homebirth midwife in France
Ina May Gaskin
Hypnobirthing Books
How Big is a Placenta Bowl
Birth with Confidence
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