Learning to say no during pregnancy and birth is perhaps one of the most powerful skills you can develop. It's not about being difficult or uncooperative, but about honouring your intuition and protecting your birthing experience.

When you're pregnant, suddenly everyone has an opinion about your body, your choices and your baby. From well meaning relatives sharing birth horror stories to medical professionals recommending interventions without adequate explanation, the pressure to comply can be overwhelming.

Setting clear boundaries is about reclaiming your autonomy in a system that often treats pregnant women as vessels rather than active decision makers.

It's about having the confidence to question recommendations that don't feel right, to request more information before consenting, and to decline interventions that aren't medically necessary or aligned with your preferences.

This doesn't mean refusing all medical advice. Rather, it means engaging critically with that advice and ensuring that any decision made is truly your own, based on complete information and free from coercion.

For many women, this is challenging. We're socialised to be agreeable, to trust authority without question, and to avoid appearing difficult. In the vulnerable state of pregnancy and labour, these tendencies can be even stronger. That's precisely why practising boundary setting before birth is so important.

Our My Body My Birth™ cards can help you prepare for these moments. They cover key interventions and decisions you might face, giving you the knowledge to confidently say yes when something aligns with your wishes, and no when it doesn't.

Consider practising phrases like: "I'd like more information before deciding." "I need some time to consider this option." "That doesn't feel right for me. What are the alternatives?" "I understand the recommendation, but I'm choosing to decline."

Your birth partner also plays a crucial role in upholding your boundaries. Make sure they understand your wishes and feel comfortable advocating for you if you're focused on the work of birthing.

Remember that setting boundaries isn't selfish, it's self respecting. It's acknowledging that this is your body, your baby and your birth experience. The decisions made during this time can affect you physically and emotionally for years to come, which is why your informed consent matters so deeply.

The art of saying no is ultimately about saying yes to your own autonomy, dignity and power as a birthing woman. It's about ensuring that whenever possible, your birth unfolds according to your wishes rather than someone else's convenience or protocol.

This is your journey. Own it.