Pregnancy is a time where advice, opinions, and well-meaning suggestions seem to come from everyone you meet – family, friends, healthcare providers, and even strangers.
From birth plans to decisions about your pregnancy journey, it seems like everyone has a perspective on what’s best for you and your baby. Yet amidst all the noise, here’s something you may not hear often enough: your intuition is a powerful guiding force. It knows what feels right for you, and learning to trust it can become your greatest strength.
No one knows your body, your baby, or your feelings better than you. And while expert opinions and medical advice are important, it’s just as vital to trust your instincts and ensure you’re informed enough to make decisions that feel right for you.
Ask Questions, Get Informed
When navigating your options during pregnancy and birth, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Every decision you make, big or small, should be one that you fully understand and feel comfortable with. If something doesn’t sit right with you, trust that instinct and seek clarity.
Here are some empowering questions to ask along the way:
- What are my options for [procedure or intervention]?
- What are the benefits and potential risks of both the recommendation and any alternatives?
- Is this necessary now, or can we wait and see?
- How will this impact my baby and my birth plan?
- What alternative approaches are available?
Informed Decisions Lead to Empowerment
When you ask questions, you’re not just gathering information – you’re taking charge of your birth journey. The more informed you are, the more confident you will feel in making decisions that align with your values and intuition.
Balance Knowledge with Intuition
It’s not about choosing one over the other. Medical guidance and research-based knowledge are essential tools. But when paired with your inner voice, they create a powerful combination for making the right choices for you and your baby.
You Know What Feels Right
Every woman’s journey is unique. What works for one person may not work for another – and that’s okay. You are the expert on your own experience. Listen to your body, trust your heart, and remember: you have every right to ask questions and advocate for yourself and your baby.
One of the principles in The Art of Giving Birth – Five Key Physiological Principles, is on learning to trust your Instincts. In addition, the accompanying journal will help you to deepen that trust.