Health

How to Advocate for Yourself and Your Baby During Delivery

After nine months of nausea, discomfort, back pain, and waiting—it’s finally delivery day. And if you’re anything like me, you’re more than ready for your baby to make their debut. I was practically begging my daughter to check out once I hit 37 weeks.

But before you head to the hospital or birthing center, it’s important to know your rights as a patient and parent. Birth plans are great, but labor doesn’t always go according to plan. Understanding your rights helps you advocate for yourself and your baby in the moments that matter most.

Your Rights in Labor and Delivery

1. The Right to Informed Consent

You have the legal right to receive clear and complete information about any medication, test, treatment, or procedure before it’s done. That includes understanding:

  • What the intervention is
  • Why it’s being recommended
  • The potential risks and benefits

Even in the fast-paced environment of labor and delivery, you have the right to ask questions and give (or withhold) your consent.

2. The Right to Know Who’s Treating You

You can request information about your care provider’s:

  • Education and training
  • Years of experience
  • Number of deliveries they’ve attended
  • Experience with vaginal vs. Cesarean births

Transparency is your right. Don’t hesitate to ask.

3. The Right to Culturally Appropriate Care

Your cultural or religious beliefs must be respected. This includes:

  • Refusing certain procedures
  • Receiving information in a preferred language
  • Having modesty, dietary, or religious practices accommodated whenever possible

4. The Right to Refuse Unnecessary Interventions

Unless there’s a clear medical reason, you can say no to:

  • Continuous fetal monitoring
  • Episiotomies
  • Inductions
  • Vaginal exams
  • C-sections

If you’re healthy and your baby is doing well, you have every right to choose how your labor progresses.

5. The Right to Change Your Mind

Even if you previously agreed to a procedure or plan, you can change your mind at any time. If something feels off, speak up. Your voice matters.

During Labor and Delivery

6. The Right to Know Why You’re Being Induced

Induction can be life-saving in some situations. But not all inductions are necessary. If induction is suggested:

  • Ask why
  • Understand the risks and benefits
  • Make an informed decision

7. The Right to Choose Your Labor Position

Unless a medical device or emergency limits your mobility, you can labor in whatever position feels right—standing, squatting, side-lying, or even in water. Ask your provider about hospital policies in advance.

Your Rights After Birth

8. The Right to Immediate Skin-to-Skin Contact

If both you and your baby are stable, you’re entitled to uninterrupted skin-to-skin bonding right after birth. It promotes breastfeeding, stabilizes your newborn’s temperature, and supports emotional connection.

9. The Right to Choose How to Feed Your Baby

Breastfeeding has many benefits, but not everyone can or wants to nurse. You have the right to choose breast, bottle, formula, or a combination—whatever is best for you and your child.

10. The Right to Refuse Newborn Procedures

Your newborn will undergo several routine tests (weight, length, APGAR score, bloodwork). But not everything must be done immediately or in the hospital. You can delay or decline certain procedures—just speak to your OB or pediatrician beforehand to understand your options.

Advocate for Yourself

This is your body, your birth, and your baby. If something doesn’t feel right or you don’t understand what’s being done, ask questions. You are allowed—and encouraged—to advocate for your needs and choices.

Your birth experience matters. Know your rights, trust your instincts, and make the decisions that are best for you and your family.

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