Before You Say Yes: The Questions Every Woman (or Birth Partner) Should Ask About Birth Interventions

Let’s be honest — when you’re in labour, things can move quickly. There’s a lot happening, there are people around you with good intentions, and sometimes decisions get made faster than you expect.

And in those moments, it’s completely normal to just go along with whatever’s being suggested — because you trust your care team, because you want what’s best for your baby, and because, well… you’re busy having a baby!

But here’s the thing most people don’t realise until after their birth:

You’re still the one in charge.

You always have a choice.

And it’s okay to pause, breathe, and ask questions before saying yes to any intervention.

This doesn’t mean being difficult or saying “no” to everything — it means staying informed and involved in your own birth, so that whatever path your labour takes, it still feels like your birth.

So before you say yes, here are some powerful questions to keep tucked in your back pocket — for you and your birth partner.

Is my baby okay?

This is one of the simplest and most grounding questions you can ask.

If your baby is doing well, you usually have time to talk through your options.

If your baby isn’t okay, then of course, quick action might be needed — but either way, you’ve created space for clarity and communication.

What happens if we wait?

Not every intervention is urgent. Sometimes waiting even 20 minutes (or a few contractions) allows your body to do what it’s naturally designed to do.

This question helps you understand whether something needs to happen right now, or whether you have the option to pause, breathe, and reassess.

What are the alternatives?

There’s almost always another way.

If an induction, augmentation, or caesarean is suggested, you can ask about other approaches — like breaking waters before starting medication, changing positions, or adjusting lighting and privacy to encourage oxytocin flow.

Even if you ultimately decide to go ahead, you’ll feel confident knowing it was an informed choice, not a default one.

What are the benefits and the risks?

This question invites a balanced discussion.

Every intervention has both benefits and potential downsides — understanding both sides helps you make a decision that aligns with your birth preferences and values.

It’s about informed consent — not fear.

Can we have a moment to talk about it?

This is your power move.

You can always ask for time (unless it’s an emergency) to chat privately with your partner, refocus your breathing, and check in with your intuition.

Even 60 seconds can shift you from feeling rushed to feeling calm and centred.

Why these questions matter…

Because birth isn’t something that happens to you — it’s something you do.

And when you understand your choices, you step into birth feeling calm, capable, and supported.

In my Hypnobirthing workshops, we go through how to ask these questions confidently, how your partner can advocate for you, and how to stay in your birth zone even if things change along the way.

Because preparation doesn’t just make birth smoother — it helps you feel like you again in the process.

Final thought

You don’t need to memorise all the hospital protocols or have a medical degree — you just need the tools to stay calm, ask the right questions, and make choices that feel right for you.

So next time you hear the words “We might need to…”

Take a breath.

Ask a question.

And remember — this is your birth, and you always have a say.

Want to feel confident and prepared for whatever your birth brings?

Join me for the final Hypnobirthing Australia™ Positive Birth Program of the year on November 29 & 30 in Mont Albert North.

You’ll learn how to stay calm and confident during labour, understand your options, and prepare for a positive birth — no matter how it unfolds.

Spots are limited — click here to learn more or book your place.