Did you know that you have more agency during your pregnancy and birth than you might realize? 

Did you know that there are all kinds of procedures and practices that you can actually decline during your pregnancy and your birth experience? And, that doing so doesn't necessarily put you or baby at risk (unless you are high risk or have another medical condition)? And in declining, there are options that still support your health and well-being that simply aren't mainstream...yet.

Many women and birthing people don't realize that they have a CHOICE in what happens to their bodies during prenatal care...because nobody told them. Just because something is "normal" or "standard" doesn't mean it is necessary or supportive for you or your baby. We don't need to do what is expected of us. 

This podcast does NOT offer an exhaustive list, but rather a handful of ideas that might be of interest to you and that will help spur conversation with your partner and care providers. Just remember, that in declining and embarking on other options you will need to play a larger role in your pregnancy and birth. I talk about that here.

I also talk about what you can invite into your pregnancy and birth experience. From who shares the gender, to catching your baby, to delayed cord clamping and so on. Again, not an exhaustive list, but certainly a conversation starter. 

Enjoy! 

Note: This is NOT medical advice. These are alternative approaches to supporting a healthy pregnancy and birth experience. I am not a medical provider. I am a perinatal yoga therapy practitioner and birth doula.

Show notes:

Write to Leanne with questions, reflections, or thoughts for new podcast episodes at [email protected].

Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering by Sarah J. Buckley, MD