If you're planning a natural birth in the hospital, understanding hospital policies and protocols is one of the most important things you can do to prepare.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why “going with the flow” without preparation can increase stress and interventions
• How hospital default policies influence birth (IVs, monitoring, movement, food, cervical checks, newborn procedures, and more)
• Why understanding routine vs. medical necessity changes everything
• The powerful question to ask your provider that reveals their birth philosophy
• How to use your birth plan as a communication tool
• Why your husband or support person must understand your preferences too
• How preparation reduces fear and why that matters physiologically
• The role of prayer, discernment, and flexibility in birth decisions

Hospitals have a default flow. If you don’t intentionally speak into that flow, it will carry you along with it.

This episode is not about being combative; it’s about being informed, calm, and confident. Preparation allows you to advocate respectfully, reduce fear, protect your oxytocin flow, and approach your birth with clarity and peace.

If you’ve ever felt nervous about asking questions or worried about being “too picky,” this episode is for you.

Just getting started?
Use my free pregnancy and birth research checklist to jumpstart your learning.

Free roadmap to planning a natural birth:
10 Steps to Natural Birth

Want to feel more confident making decisions in labor?
Join the Autonomous Birth Workshop to learn how to advocate for yourself and navigate birth with clarity.

Free Scripture-Based Affirmation Cards
For encouragement and truth as you prepare for birth, download my Free Scripture-Based Affirmation Cards

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@rise.birth