Childbirth is an incredible, forever life-changing experience that will affect you for years to come. This experience can look different for every couple and with every birth, whether you are laboring with an epidural in a hospital, in a birth tub at home, or having a planned c-section. The key to a positive birth experience, no matter how your labor unfolds, lies in the quality of care and how well your voice is heard throughout the process.

Research reports that approximately one-third of women giving birth in a modern maternity setting perceive their childbirth experience as traumatic. “Women are socialized to accept that as long as their baby is okay, what happens to them and how they feel about it doesn’t matter.” – Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage. How you feel about your birth does matter! This is why it is so important to be able to advocate for your birth experience.

7 Steps to Advocate for Your Birth Experience

Advocacy in childbirth is about more than just making choices; it’s about being an informed and active participant in the birth process. It involves building a support team to help you through the process, gaining knowledge about childbirth, and clearly expressing your preferences and concerns. Here are our top 7 ways to advocate for your birth experience:

1. Choose Your Care Provider Carefully

Your care provider plays a crucial role in your birth experience. It’s essential to choose a provider whose philosophy and approach to birth align with your own. Research different types of care providers, such as obstetricians, midwives, and family practitioners. Ask about their rates of interventions, such as cesarean sections and episiotomies, and how they handle complications during labor. Don’t be afraid to interview multiple providers and ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have had positive birth experiences. Remember, you have the right to switch providers if you feel your needs and preferences are not being respected.

RELATED: Click here to get a FREE list of questions to ask your care provider

2. Take a Childbirth Class

Education is a powerful tool in advocating for yourself during labor. Taking a comprehensive childbirth class can equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. At Birth Boot Camp, our classes cover everything from basic anatomy and the stages of labor to pain management techniques and creating a birth plan. Understanding the various options available to you during labor and delivery can help you feel more in control and confident in your choices. Remember, if you don’t know your options, you don’t have any.

3. Hire a Doula

A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother before, during, and shortly after childbirth. Studies have shown that having a doula present can lead to better birth outcomes, including shorter labor, lower rates of interventions, and a more positive birth experience. Doulas can help you advocate for your preferences, provide comfort measures, and support your partner. They can also help you navigate any unexpected situations that may arise during labor.

Which Class is Right For You? Click HERE to Take our Quiz.

4. Create a Birth Plan

A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences for labor and delivery. It can include your choices for pain management, the presence of support persons, and your wishes for postpartum care. While it’s important to be flexible (as birth can be unpredictable), having a plan can help you and your healthcare team understand your desires and work together to achieve them. Discuss your birth plan with your care provider and ensure they are supportive of your choices. Keep a copy of your birth plan with you when you go into labor.

5. Advocate for Yourself

Advocating for yourself means clearly expressing your preferences and concerns to your healthcare provider. This can include asking questions, seeking clarification, and ensuring you understand the risks and benefits of any proposed interventions. Don’t be afraid to speak up if something doesn’t feel right or if you need more information. Your voice matters, and you have the right to be an active participant in your care. Consider using assertive communication techniques, such as the BRAIN acronym (Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, and Need time), to help you make informed decisions.

6. Build a Supportive Team

Surround yourself with people who support your birth choices. This might include your partner, a doula, friends, or family members. A supportive team can provide encouragement, advocacy, and physical comfort measures during labor. They can also help you stay calm and focused, which can positively impact your birth experience. Make sure your support team understands your birth plan and is prepared to advocate for your preferences if needed.

RELATED: Building Your Birth Team

7. Stay Flexible

While it’s important to have a plan and advocate for your preferences, it’s equally important to remain adaptable. Birth can be unpredictable, and being open to changes can help you stay calm and focused, ensuring the best possible outcome for you and your baby. Trust in your body and the process, and remember that the ultimate goal is a healthy mother and baby. Being flexible doesn’t mean compromising your values; it means being prepared to navigate the unexpected with confidence and grace.

Benefits of Advocating for Yourself During Labor

Advocating for yourself during labor can lead to numerous benefits that contribute to a more positive and empowering birth experience:

• Increased Satisfaction: When you feel heard and your preferences are respected, you are more likely to have a satisfying birth experience.
• Better Outcomes: Advocacy can lead to fewer unnecessary interventions, which can reduce the risk of complications and promote a healthier birth for both you and your baby.
• Empowerment: Taking an active role in your birth process can empower you, helping you feel more in control and confident.
• Emotional Well-being: Feeling supported and respected during labor can improve your emotional well-being, reducing the risk of birth trauma and postpartum depression.
• Stronger Bond with Your Baby: A positive birth experience can enhance your bond with your baby, promoting a better start to your parenting journey.

Advocating for your birth experience is about taking control of one of the most important events in your life. It involves educating yourself, communicating effectively with your healthcare provider, and building a supportive team. At Birth Boot Camp, we are here to provide the resources, support, and education you need to make informed decisions and have an amazing birth experience. Remember, this is your journey, and your voice matters. Advocate for your birth experience and embrace the empowering and transformative journey of bringing new life into the world.

Take control of your birth experience with our Birth Plan Blueprint. Your essential guide to creating a birth plan that reflects your unique journey and vision for childbirth.