#66 | How to Protect Your Birth Experience in the Hospital: Tools Every Mom Needs to Know

What if walking into a hospital birth didn’t mean giving up your voice? In this powerful conversation, Meredith and Alicia from Intentional Birth share how to advocate for yourself in a hospital setting so you feel respected, informed, and truly in charge of your birth. From simple language shifts to knowing your legal rights, you’ll walk away with practical tools you—and your partner—can use to create a positive, empowering experience, no matter what unfolds. Tune in to hear: Why birth trauma is often less about what happened and more about how you were treated The difference between hospital policy and patient consent (and why policy does not override your rights) A simple 3-step framework (OWN IT) to decline procedures without confrontation The role of your partner as the guardian of the birth—and how they can protect your space Key phrases that change the room instantly: “We do need her consent” and “Please document that I am declining ___” How to use the chain of command if you’re not being heard (charge nurse → nurse manager → house supervisor) “Secret menu” options in the hospital most families don’t know they can request A real-life VBAC story where intentional advocacy led to a hospital water birth, minimal interventions, and an unhurried third stage Join the Doula Mastermind: https://painfreebirth.com/doula-mastermind/ Resources mentioned: 5% discount on the Advocacy Trainings : Code: PAINFREEBIRTH IG: @intentional.birth Website: www.intentionalbirth.co Connect with Karen: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731 Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in