26/08/2025
👶🏻 “As long as baby is healthy” - I mean, absolutely, we all wish for a healthy baby. But let’s not use this as a good enough reason to let it slide that somebody has experienced a traumatic birth. I’ve heard new Mum’s say this more than I care to admit.
📝“I’m not writing a birth plan, birth doesn’t go to plan anyway” - this is often a statement I hear from somebody who has heard one too many “horror” stories from friends who have “put them off” writing a birth plan. It’s very important to jot down your strong desires for birth.
❎“I had a c-section for failure to progress” - but you were almost fully dilated, in labour for hours? But the word “failure” has been thrown into your hospital birth summary. My. Pet. Hate. It’s something Midwives have been trying to change for years. Imagine being a new Mum and reading this on your notes when you’ve been discharged home from hospital? Is it because she didn’t meet the “one size fits all” guidelines for dilating “0.5cm an hour”
🏥“I was told I need an induction, so I’ve been booked in” - I usually follow this statement with, “do you want the induction?” I’m sure you can guess what answer I hear! This one I hear far too many times and it still makes me sad.
❌“The Doctor told me I’m putting my baby at risk” - But at risk of what? State the risk. Let’s actually state the facts, evidence, statistics, numbers. If we can’t back it up with a figure or statistic, then let’s not say it at all?
💥“I didn’t know I was allowed to say no” - another one I’ve heard far too often. Let me talk to you about informed choice and I promise you’ll never say something like this during your pregnancy!
📚My birth prep courses will ensure that these are statements you won’t have to say following your birth. We get right down to the nitty gritty of informed choice and understand your options around labour and birth. I’m a huge advocate for ensuring women make informed decisions for them and understanding how best to navigate the system when tricky conversations may arise.
