Childbirth Experiences: U.S. and Spain

I gave birth a little over a year ago for the very first time.  My husband and I were blessed with a great hospital that offered childbirth classes; these included a tour of the hospital and staff introductions.  We got to know the space, nurses, possible procedures, and how the place was run overall.  My due date changed several times.  In the end, my midwife was concerned because the baby hadn't grown much in about a month, so she suggested induction.  She knew my wishes for as natural a labor as it could be so she started me with the minimum.  Fortunately, that's all it took - 10 hours later my water broke on it's own, 6 1/2 hours after that I went from 4cm to 10cm in a matter of minutes, and after 10 minutes of pushing we had a beautiful baby boy.  My husband was allowed to stay with me the entire time.  He was encouraged to coach me as well as see the birth take place.  I was asked permission to have a nursing student observe from a distance.  Besides the student, only 2 nurses and my midwife were present with my husband and myself.  The room was spacious, I was asked if and when I wanted music, food, or drink, I was asked many times if I was comfortable.  Most importantly I was asked what I wanted.  My opinions, thoughts, and plan mattered.  The birthing experience was wonderful (and yes, painful for awhile!).  It is my belief that my son was impacted by the prenatal care, birthing care, and postnatal care that not only he received, but that we received as well.  When things go as smoothly as they can because doctors care about the life they are helping to come into the world it makes a huge difference!

On the other hand I did some research on birthing experiences in Spain.  I chose Spain because I have traveled there many times and it interests me.  Overall, it sounds as if birthing experiences there are not up to par.  Doctors and staff were described as very professional but uncaring/unfriendly.  Birth plans go out the window; you do what the doctor tells you to do.  There isn't a whole lot of choice.  Doctors insist that you wear monitors from the minute you get to the hospital until you give birth meaning that you are immobile.  You are in a shared room with up to 4 other women until 8cm and then you move right back to the room when you are cleaned up.  The only pain relief is an epidural in most hospitals and an episiotomy is done regardless of whether or not it is really necessary.  It makes things easier and faster, so it's done.  The baby is shown to the mother and then whisked away immediately.  Fathers are generally told to leave after so long and the first breastfeeding experience is in front of that room full of people.  In general, most people are not satisfied with their experience.  I read some comments that even included the words "scary" and "traumatic". 

Comparing the two experiences, I will take my own any day!  I think that it is a woman's right, no matter what country she is in, to have a say in how birth goes.  I realize that sometimes doctors need to make the final decision if something goes wrong or isn't going as it should, but opinion should be taken into consideration.  I think that the negative experience has an effect on children born into it.  Babies are impacted by these things more than what I assume most people realize.  The time that mother and baby are given to bond immediately after birth in the U.S. are priceless moments that impact a child for the rest of their life!