Birth Choices: Your Rights, Team & Options for a Supported Experience

Taking Charge of Your Birth Experience

When it comes to giving birth, you have more choices than you may realize—and understanding them is the key to feeling empowered. Whether you’re dreaming of a water birth at home, preparing for a carefully monitored hospital delivery, or even exploring free birth, knowing your options gives you the power to create a birth plan that aligns with your values.

Yet many women enter labor feeling uninformed about their rights, unsure how to advocate for themselves, and unaware of the full range of pain relief and support systems available.

But you have to use your voice.

The more knowledgeable you are, the more confident you’ll feel—to ask questions, speak up, and tell your support team what you want… and what doesn’t feel right.
Your body, your baby, your birth—your voice matters in all of it.

Here’s a surprising fact: According to a 2022 study published in Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care, nearly 60% of women reported feeling pressured into medical interventions during labor, often without fully understanding their choices. This highlights the importance of education, consent, and confidence in making decisions that are right for you and your baby.

At MotherBees, we understand the challenges mothers face when navigating birth options. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge, tools, and nurturing support needed to experience birth on your terms. Whether you’re seeking natural, holistic care or planning for medical interventions, this guide will help you make informed decisions with confidence.

Birth Settings: Home, Hospital & Free Birth – Weighing Your Options

When it comes to where you give birth, the setting plays a significant role in shaping your experience. Each environment—home, hospital, and free birth—offers unique benefits and potential challenges. Understanding the pros and cons of each will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your values, preferences, and safety considerations.

Home Birth

A home birth takes place in the comfort of your own home, typically supported by a certified midwife, a midwife’s assistant, and ideally a birth doula who can provide early labor support, stay present through the birth, and assist with the immediate postpartum period.

Depending on your needs, you may also choose to hire a specialized postpartum caregiver for additional support.

This option offers a familiar, calming environment and allows for greater autonomy—but it also requires thoughtful preparation and a clear plan for emergency transfer, just in case.

Pros

Comfort and familiarity of your home environment
Being in your own space can promote relaxation, ease, and a deep sense of safety. It removes the edge of nervousness that can come from being in a hospital setting surrounded by strangers or other birthing mothers. The energy at home is entirely your own—calmer, more personal, and often more grounding.

Greater autonomy over your birth experience
At home, you have full control over your environment—lighting, music, movement, who is present, and how you labor. Siblings, close friends, and family can be there if you wish. Because it’s your space, your birth can reflect your personal vision, values, and the energy you want to invite into the experience. You can choose to delay cord clamping—or even keep the umbilical cord attached for days (a practice known as lotus birth). You also have the freedom to forgo immediate cleaning of the baby and other standard hospital protocols, allowing for a gentle, unrushed transition into the world.

Lower risk of medical interventions
Studies show that home births are associated with fewer unnecessary interventions, including inductions and C-sections. Choosing an aligned and experienced midwife plays a key role in this. Throughout your prenatal visits, a skilled midwife closely tracks your progress and assesses whether home birth remains the safest option as you approach labor. Because she’s spent time getting to know you and your body, she’s able to make informed, compassionate decisions—including when a transfer might be necessary. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Continuous support from your chosen midwife or doula
Care at home is typically one-on-one and uninterrupted, allowing you to feel truly supported throughout labor and birth. Prenatal visits with a midwife often last 45 minutes to an hour, creating space for deeper conversations. The environment is warmer and more personal—your midwife may ask about your lifestyle, relationships, emotional well-being, and any concerns you carry. This kind of connection builds trust and comfort that carries into your birth experience.

Cons

Limited access to emergency medical interventions
If complications arise, a hospital transfer may be necessary. The drive can be stressful, and navigating hospital check-in during labor may feel overwhelming—especially for those who already feel anxious about hospital environments. For some, this transition can be emotionally jarring.

May not be suitable for high-risk pregnancies
Certain conditions—like preeclampsia, breech presentation, or multiple births—often require hospital-based care. Most midwives are not trained to manage these births, though some very experienced midwives are comfortable attending them. It’s essential to ask your midwife about her specific skills and experience.

Home Birth Costs & Insurance Coverage
Many insurance plans do not fully cover home birth or midwifery care, which can lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses. On average, a home birth costs between $6,000 and $10,000, depending on your location and the services included. This typically covers prenatal visits, the birth itself, and several postpartum check-ins with your midwife.

Requires thorough preparation
From gathering supplies ahead of time to creating a detailed emergency transfer plan, home birth calls for intentional preparation and strong communication with your birth team. A skilled and experienced midwife will guide you through every step—if they don’t, it’s a sign to explore other providers who will.

Emotional strain of transfer is needed
Needing to leave the comfort of home mid-labor—especially after preparing for a home birth—can be emotionally and physically taxing. But with a supportive team and a clear, compassionate plan in place, this transition can still feel safe and empowering if it becomes necessary.

If you choose a home birth, consider using the Labor Ease Massage Oil during contractions. Its soothing, organic essential oils can encourage effective uterine contractions, promoting a smoother labor experience.

Hospital Birth

Hospital births remain the most common choice in Western countries, offering immediate access to medical interventions and emergency care. For many, this provides peace of mind and a sense of safety. However, hospital settings may also come with more restrictions—such as limited freedom of movement, routine procedures, and a higher likelihood of medical interventions.

Pros

Access to on-site specialists
Includes obstetricians, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, and neonatal care teams for immediate support.

Continuous fetal monitoring
Especially valuable for high-risk pregnancies or when complications are expected.

Readily available pain relief options
Epidurals, IV medications, and other medical pain management methods are easily accessible.

Standard insurance coverage
Hospital births are typically covered by most insurance plans, which can help reduce out-of-pocket costs. However, always ask for an itemized bill after your stay to review charges—occasionally, procedures may appear that weren’t performed, and it’s your right to question and clarify them.

Cons

Higher likelihood of interventions
Inductions, Pitocin, and C-sections are more common in hospital settings—often due to time constraints and staff schedules. OBs typically spend less time with you during early labor, checking in occasionally to assess progress according to hospital protocols, and returning primarily during active labor and delivery.

Limited freedom of movement during labor
Depending on hospital policy, you may be connected to fetal monitoring equipment or IVs that limit your ability to move freely. In many cases, this can mean spending hours laboring on your back or sitting up in bed with minimal mobility.

Less privacy and personalized care
Hospital protocols may involve several nurses entering your room at any time to check on you or the baby, which can disrupt your focus, rest, and peace of mind—especially during the more inward moments of labor.

Staff shift changes may affect continuity of care
As nurses and other providers rotate throughout your labor, you may feel a lack of consistency, which can disrupt trust and the relationship you've begun building with your care team.

Potential to feel rushed or pressured into decisions
If you’re unfamiliar with your rights, hospital policies, or routine procedures, you may feel like decisions are being made for you. While emergencies are rare, in non-emergency situations, the more informed and vocal you are, the more you can shape your birth experience to fit your comfort and values.

If you’re planning a hospital birth, bring the Pregnant Belly Salve with you. Massaging your belly with this moisture-rich herbal salve can help keep your skin soft and hydrated, offering some sensory comfort during labor.

Free Birth (Unassisted Birth)

Free birth, also known as unassisted birth, is when a woman chooses to give birth without medical or professional support physically present at the birth—but may have a midwife or trusted professional nearby, just in case. This choice is often rooted in personal or philosophical beliefs that prioritize bodily autonomy, deep trust in the natural process, and self-guided care.

Free birth is typically chosen by individuals in excellent health who feel confident in their body’s ability to birth without intervention, and who have prepared thoroughly—with a backup team available if needed.

Pros

Complete freedom and autonomy over the birthing process
You set the pace, make the decisions, and shape the environment—without outside interference. You and your partner are fully responsible for catching the baby and responding in real time. This includes knowing how to shift positions if the baby is stuck or gently guide the umbilical cord if it’s wrapped around the baby’s neck. It requires calm presence, deep trust, and thorough preparation—especially when monitoring your baby’s movements and well-being during labor.

No risk of unwanted medical interventions or hospital policies
You’re free from time constraints, routine procedures, and unfamiliar hospital staff entering your space. Without disruptions, you can stay in your birthing flow—fully connected to your body and instincts.

Can be a deeply personal and spiritual experience
For many, free birth becomes a sacred rite—one that honors deep inner knowing, strength, and trust in the natural process. It’s a powerful choice for those who feel aligned with this path. And it’s important to acknowledge—it’s not for everyone.

Comfort of a familiar and private setting
Whether at home, in nature, in warm water, or on the earth, the space is yours. This familiarity brings emotional ease, grounded safety, and the freedom to fully surrender to the experience. For some, birth may unfold quickly—in a bathroom, on the toilet, or even in a car—with no birth team in sight. In these cases, it’s wise to have your midwife or OB on standby via FaceTime or phone to offer guidance and support in real time.

No external pressure from medical staff
Without institutional timelines or expectations, labor is allowed to unfold in its own rhythm. Unlike hospital protocols that often track progress by the clock, a home-centered or self-led birth allows contraction patterns and physical cues to guide the process more organically.

Midwife or doula may be nearby—but not necessarily present
Some free births are supported quietly by professionals waiting nearby—such as a midwife parked outside your home. Their presence offers a safety net, while preserving your full autonomy and space. You remain the leader of your experience, supported only as much as you wish.

Cons

No immediate access to emergency care
In the event of complications, medical assistance may not be readily available. This is an understood risk when choosing a free birth. While this path isn’t right for most, for some women, it is a deeply intentional and meaningful choice.

Greater risk of undetected issues
Without continuous professional monitoring, signs of fetal distress or maternal complications may go unnoticed. If a midwife is nearby, she may occasionally check in—such as listening to the baby’s heartbeat—then step back to give you space. Still, it’s important to recognize the limitations of this approach.

Legal or regulatory challenges
In some regions, free birth exists in a legal gray area or may be discouraged or restricted. Be sure to consult with a knowledgeable midwife or local birth professional to understand the laws and guidelines in your area.

More responsibility placed on the birthing partner or family
Without hands-on professional support, your partner or family members will need to step into an active role. This can be empowering—but also overwhelming—if they’re not prepared. Everyone in your circle should be informed, confident, and aligned with your birth plan to provide the steady support you need.

Even if you opt for a free birth, having tools on hand for self-care is essential. The Full Moon Oil Blend is perfect for gentle belly and breast massage, helping you stay connected to your body and baby while keeping your skin nourished.

Key Considerations When Choosing Your Birth Setting

As you explore your birth options, take time to reflect on the following:

Risk Factors
Consider your medical history, any pregnancy complications, and your overall health. Reflect, too, on how confident you feel in your body, how well you know your own rhythms, and how strongly you're prepared to advocate for yourself.

Some birth settings are better suited for higher-risk pregnancies, while others may align more closely with low-intervention approaches and self-led care.

Proximity to Emergency Care
If you're planning a home or free birth, ensure you have a clear and timely transfer plan in place in case medical assistance is needed.

Comfort with Medical Interventions
Reflect on your preferences around interventions such as epidurals, inductions, or C-sections. Some birth settings offer more immediate access than others.

Personal Values & Preferences
Think about how much autonomy, privacy, and emotional spaciousness you want during labor and birth. You might feel self-conscious about making noise—or you might not care how loud your voice gets. You may feel totally at ease being fully naked, or prefer to stay partially covered. There’s no right or wrong—just what feels safest and most supportive for you. Choose a birth setting that honors those needs.

Support Team
Surround yourself with a trusted circle—whether that’s a midwife, doula, partner, or close friend—who can advocate for your wishes and help you feel truly held. Every person you invite into your birth space should feel right in your body and heart. Your intuition is your strongest guide when choosing your support team. If something feels off, honor that. Alignment and trust are everything in this sacred space.

Boundaries, Voice & Confidence
Know your boundaries and speak them clearly. Ask all your questions. Use your voice with confidence—your needs, instincts, and preferences matter deeply. The more you understand your body and the procedures surrounding birth, the more empowered you’ll feel to stay in control rather than surrender decisions to others. This kind of self-trust doesn’t appear overnight—it’s a skill built over months, even years, of listening to yourself and honoring what you know to be true.

Know What’s Coming Next
Encourage clear, ongoing communication with your provider so you’re never left in the dark. Ask what’s happening before anything is done. When you know what’s coming, you can respond with a clear yes, no, say “I have a question," or just ask!

Building Your Birth Team: From Inner Circle to Outer Support

The people surrounding you during labor can significantly impact your experience. Your birth team may include medical professionals, emotional support companions, and loved ones. Here’s how to build a team that honors your preferences and provides holistic support.

Midwife vs. OB: Key Differences

Choosing who will support you through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is just as important as choosing where you’ll give birth. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you understand the strengths of both types of care providers:

Midwives

Provide continuous, hands-on support during labor, birth, and the early postpartum period. Be sure to ask how many prenatal visits are included, when they plan to arrive during labor, and how many postpartum visits are part of their care.

Spend more time during prenatal visits, allowing space to explore emotional shifts, family dynamics, and your personal preferences.

Offer personalized, holistic care—including emotional support, natural pain relief techniques, and a focus on your overall well-being.

Specialize in physiological (natural) birth, and are trained to monitor and support low-risk pregnancies.

Often provide postpartum care, including breastfeeding guidance and newborn support during the first weeks after birth.

Tip
If you're carrying twins or your baby is in a breech position, ask your midwife if they are experienced and qualified to attend these types of births.

Most midwives are not trained or licensed to support breech or twin deliveries—but some have the specialized experience to do so safely and confidently. It’s important to ask early and understand their scope of practice.

OB-GYNs

Provide medical expertise and are trained to manage high-risk pregnancies, including those that may require C-sections, episiotomies, forceps, or other surgical tools. These interventions are within their training and may be more readily used depending on their personal approach and hospital protocols.

Often care for multiple patients at the same time, which means shorter prenatal visits and less time for emotional connection. During labor, OBs may move between several birthing rooms, checking in only during specific stages of labor.

Are prepared to handle surgical births and emergency situations, making them a strong option when complications are expected or arise.
Tip: Ask your OB about their typical approach to birth—what interventions they commonly use, and how they make decisions in unexpected scenarios. Knowing their style helps you prepare and advocate for your preferences.

The Role of a Doula

A doula offers emotional, physical, and informational support throughout labor. Studies show that mothers with doula support experience shorter labors and lower rates of C-sections. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

For extra comfort during labor, consider using Blissful Mama Tea. This calcium-rich blend not only supports a healthy pregnancy but also helps ease stress and anxiety during labor, creating a more relaxed environment.

Including Family and Friends

While the presence of loved ones can offer comfort and support, it’s essential to set clear boundaries. Assign specific roles—such as who will be helping with food, childcare, or emotional support—and communicate your birth preferences openly to avoid confusion or stress during labor.

Only invite those you feel 100% aligned with. Any lingering discomfort or unresolved feelings about someone may rise to the surface during active labor and potentially slow the process. Your birth space should feel safe, grounded, and free of emotional tension.

Knowing Your Birth Rights: Consent, Advocacy & Legal Protections

Understanding your legal rights during labor ensures you can make informed decisions and advocate for yourself.

Informed Consent

You have the right to receive clear, complete information about any procedure or intervention—including its benefits, risks, and alternatives. You also have the right to decline or request care that aligns with your values.

It’s essential to discuss your wishes with your partner, doula, and birth team before labor begins, so they can help advocate for you—especially during active labor, when speaking up may be more difficult.

Advocating for Your Choices

Ask direct, respectful questions about any suggested intervention. A simple “What are the risks?” or “Can we wait and reassess?” can open the door to deeper conversation.

Discuss and bring a written birth plan to help communicate your preferences. While birth can be unpredictable, a plan is a valuable tool for visualizing your ideal experience and aligning with your care team.

Think of it as a guide—not a rigid script. Even if only parts are honored, your birth plan helps keep your voice and values in the room.

Consider hiring a birth doula—someone who truly understands your vision, and can advocate for you with confidence and care. Build that relationship in the weeks leading up to birth, so trust is already well established.

Legal Protections

Know that you have the right to refuse unnecessary interventions and request second opinions. A study in Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care emphasizes the importance of clear communication and advocacy in improving maternal satisfaction.

Pain Relief Choices: Natural & Medical Options Explained

Pain management is a personal choice, and understanding your options helps you make confident decisions.

Natural Techniques

Breathing & Relaxation
Rhythmic breathing helps reduce tension and encourages relaxation. Try breathing from your belly, through your mouth, and imagine your mouth and cervix opening together. The more relaxed you are, the more your body opens.

Hydrotherapy
Warm water can be incredibly soothing. Laboring in a tub or under a warm shower can ease discomfort and promote a sense of calm.

Movement & Positioning
Changing positions—such as squatting, slow dancing, or even walking around the block—can help labor progress and reduce pain.

Massage & Touch
During early labor, gently massage your belly with a Pregnant Belly Salve, a moisture-rich blend infused with organic herbs. It nourishes stretching skin while promoting a calming, mindful connection to your body.

Medical Options

Epidurals: Provide significant pain relief but can slow labor.

IV Medications: Reduce pain but may cause drowsiness.

Local Anesthetics: Used for numbing in specific areas, such as during episiotomies.

Alternative Pain Relief

Hypnobirthing
A method that uses breathwork, calming audio, visualization, and mental preparation to ease labor. This technique is most effective when practiced in the months leading up to birth.

Acupressure & TENS Units
Non-invasive tools that help reduce pain without medication. An experienced acupuncturist can also support you in stimulating labor (especially if you're past your due date) or easing pain during contractions. Look for someone trained in perinatal acupuncture.

During early labor, gently massage your belly with Pregnant Belly Salve, a moisture-rich blend packed with organic herbs. It soothes stretching skin while encouraging calm, mindful connection with your body.

Creating Your Personalized Birth Plan: Blending Choice & Flexibility

A birth plan outlines your preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum care.

Clearly communicate your desired environment, support team, and pain relief options.

Stay flexible—birth is unpredictable, and plans may need to shift.

Share your birth plan with your team early and discuss it during prenatal visits.

Your Birth, Your Way

Your birth experience is a deeply personal journey—and you deserve to feel empowered throughout it. By understanding your options, building a strong support team, and advocating for your rights, you can create a birth experience that aligns with your values and needs. Trust yourself, trust your body, and know that you are capable of bringing new life into the world with strength and confidence.