This topic came up during one of my Ask Me Anything sessions on Instagram, and it hit home—because I’ve been there too.
As a homebirth mom (who’s also had a hospital birth), I know how hard it is to come to terms with the idea of birthing in a hospital when it wasn’t your first choice. There is nothing I would want less than to have another baby in the hospital, but sometimes, for reasons outside our control, that becomes our reality.
Maybe it’s because of your or your baby’s medical condition. Maybe it’s financial. Maybe it’s about access—or lack thereof. Whatever the reason, being stuck in a place you didn’t choose doesn’t mean you can’t still have a powerful, beautiful, aligned birth.
It’s normal to feel a little defeated when your birth plans shift. But here’s what I want you to know: just because you’re birthing in a hospital doesn’t mean you’re giving up your power. You still have so many options, and with the right preparation, you can walk into that space feeling confident, respected, and in control.
Here are five key things to focus on if you’re giving birth in a hospital (even if it’s not where you want to be):
✅ Your Provider Matters More Than the Building
Your OB or midwife sets the tone for your entire experience. If your provider doesn’t respect your preferences, it’s a sign that something needs to shift. And yes—it’s never too late to change providers if needed.
✅ Know Your Rights (So You’re Not Pushed Around)
Hospitals have policies—but policies aren’t laws. You still have bodily autonomy. You can decline cervical checks. You can choose to eat during labor. Knowing the difference between what’s required and what’s just routine can help you hold your ground and protect your birth space.
My Birth Rights & Advocacy Toolkit is a great starting point if you want to understand your options and stand strong in your decisions.
✅ Make Your Birth Plan Crystal Clear
Hospitals are systems that run on routine. If you don’t clearly communicate what you want, they’ll default to what they always do. A well-thought-out birth plan—especially one you’ve discussed with your provider ahead of time—helps you avoid unnecessary interventions.
You can download my free Birth Plan Checklist to make sure your preferences are clear and respected.
✅ Have a Strong Support System
You shouldn’t be the one doing all the advocating during labor. Whether it’s your partner, doula, or a trusted friend, your support team should be prepped and ready to speak up on your behalf and hold the space you need to labor freely and confidently.
I cover this in more depth inside Confident Birth Academy, where you’ll learn how to choose your support team, write a birth plan, and advocate for yourself in any setting.
✅ Set the Vibe
Just because you’re in a hospital doesn’t mean it has to feel like one. Bring battery-operated candles, essential oils, a wireless speaker, or your own clothes. Dim the lights. Make the space feel like yours—because it is.
At the end of the day, this is your birth. Whether it’s in a hospital, at home, or anywhere in between, you deserve to feel seen, supported, and powerful. The place might not be what you envisioned—but the experience still can be.
If you want more guidance on preparing for any kind of birth—whether planned or pivoted—Confident Birth Academy will walk you through it all. I want you to feel strong, knowledgeable, and in control no matter where you give birth.