One of the hardest things for me when choosing induction was the feeling that I was handing too much of my experience over to others. Would it still feel like my birth, would I still have the confidence to ask for what I wanted and needed.
It’s important to feel empowered and in control of some things during this time. Advocating for yourself during labour can help others respect your needs and wishes. Here are 10 tips on how to advocate for yourself during labour:
- Know Your Rights: It’s important to know your rights and options during childbirth. Take the time to research and understand your options for pain management, medical interventions, birth positions and birth environment.
- Communicate Your Needs: Make sure you communicate clearly with your healthcare provider and support team about your preferences and concerns. Be specific about what you want and need. It’s a great idea to update your birth plan before going for induction (Listen to Episode 14 of the Positive Induction Podcast for more on what to include in your induction birth plan).
- Choose Your Support Team Carefully: Surround yourself with people who support your wishes and who will advocate for you if necessary, this is a great topic to discuss with your birth partner ahead of time. Consider hiring a doula or bringing a trusted friend or family member to your birth.
- Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek clarification on anything you don’t understand. This will help you make informed decisions about your care. It’s your birth, you only get to do this once, so ask anything no matter how big or small it seems.
- Use your BRAIN to make decisions: There will be decision to make during an induction, a great way to help you make theses is to consider the Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, your Intuition and whether you can wait and do Nothing or if you need to take action, you can read more in our Decision Making blog post. Ask for updates and clarification on any medical procedures or interventions. To make informed decision you need all the information so do ask.
- Stay Focused: Focus on your goals and remind yourself of why you made the decisions you did. This will help you stay focused and empowered.
- Use Your Voice: Don’t be afraid to speak up if you feel uncomfortable or if something isn’t going according to plan. Remember, this is your birth experience.
In conclusion, advocating for yourself during labour can help ensure that you have a more positive birth experience that aligns with your wishes and values. Remember to communicate clearly, ask questions, and surround yourself with a supportive team. With these tips in mind, you can feel confident and empowered as you bring your little one into the world.