I'm not trying to incite fear, I'm trying to encourage discussion. I want people to know that their choices are being taken away, their autonomy is being taken away.

It sounds like we are saying that nursing is not about evidence-based practice, that it's not about scientific inquiry. That's just not true. As nurses, we have the most important and beneficial superpowers on the planet, and I absolutely adore labor nurses and how much change they can affect in the world.

It is really hard to have this discussion in labor, that's why I encourage you to have it early and often. Early and often be aware of changes of policy that are going on and it is not meant to scare you.

The concept of informed consent is like a safety net for pregnancy and childbirth. It's a way to ensure that women and their partners have the information they need to make informed decisions about their care and their bodies.

When we teach people about fear and control, we also teach them about trust. Trust in the process, trust in the provider, and trust in themselves. We teach them that they are the ones who are in control, and that they have the power to make choices and decisions about their own bodies and lives.

The way to get a more inclusive and empowering birth culture is to increase our knowledge and understanding of midwifery and doula care. Midwives and doulas are trained to support women and families in a way that is respectful and empowering.

I haven't said anything that should make people ashamed or stigmatized. We are all just doing what we think is best based on what we've been taught, and it's not okay to make people feel bad for doing what they think is right.