Episode 212: Power in Saying “No”
The ability to say “no” is an empowering tool mothers can carry into pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
In this episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, Sarah Marie sits down with Katelyn, co-creator of the O.W.N. Your Birth childbirth education course, for a conversation about how saying “no” can help mothers advocate for themselves. Rather than focusing only on medical procedures or household logistics, this discussion centers on the mental and emotional preparation necessary to make aligned choices.
Sarah acknowledges a truth many mothers quietly carry: fear of judgment or conflict can make saying “no” feel uncomfortable. Questions about interventions, visitors, or newborn care can weigh heavily. Katelyn reframes “no” not as negativity but as an act of self-advocacy. By honoring boundaries, validating needs, and clearly communicating choices, mothers can reclaim agency over their birth and parenting experiences.
Saying “no” often surfaces in moments that feel high-stakes or beyond control. During labor, mothers may be asked to accept interventions or follow guidance that does not align with their birth plan. Both Sarah and Katelyn encourage mothers to anticipate these moments rather than avoid them. Naming specific concerns, whether related to medical procedures, birth preferences, or postpartum boundaries, allows space to process and assert them. When fear is acknowledged and prepared for, it loses its power to dominate decision-making.
Preparation and reflection, they explain, are just as important as writing a birth plan or stocking the nursery. By identifying coping strategies ahead of time, such as rehearsing how to voice boundaries, visualizing preferred scenarios, or creating affirmations, mothers strengthen their ability to navigate challenging moments. While preparation does not guarantee that everything will unfold perfectly, it provides emotional steadiness and clarity.
Partners play a crucial role in supporting this process. Katelyn emphasizes that a partner’s emotional state can influence the birth and postpartum environment. Anxiety or stress in a partner can inadvertently amplify a mother’s tension. Open communication before and during birth, along with shared understanding of the “why” behind choices, fosters alignment and mutual support. When both parents feel informed, seen, and heard, the experience becomes more collaborative and less isolating.
The conversation also highlights the power of community. Mothers benefit greatly from connecting with others who value self-advocacy. Sharing experiences, asking questions, and witnessing how other mothers navigate boundaries builds reassurance and solidarity. Programs, workshops, and peer communities offer structured support, helping mothers feel held and understood throughout pregnancy and beyond.
Practical tools for self-advocacy are discussed in depth. Writing a clear birth plan, rehearsing affirmations, and having scripts for voicing boundaries are strategies that help mothers feel confident and assertive. Sarah emphasizes that these tools are not about confrontation but about cultivating clarity and empowerment. Feeling prepared allows mothers to engage with healthcare providers, support teams, and family members while staying true to their preferences.
Katelyn shares powerful examples from her work. Mothers who actively practiced saying “no” during pregnancy and birth reported feeling more in control, respected, and confident, even when unexpected changes arose. By trusting themselves, setting boundaries, and articulating their choices, these mothers reclaimed ownership of their experiences, transforming potential stress into resilience and empowerment.
In an exciting development, Katelyn highlights resources like the Own Your Birth childbirth education course, which combines knowledge, emotional preparation, and community support. These resources provide a holistic approach, giving mothers both the practical tools and emotional validation they need to navigate pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood confidently.
As the episode concludes, listeners are reminded that saying “no” is not a rejection, it is a declaration of priorities and values. Mothers are encouraged to trust their instincts, honor their boundaries, and seek support when needed. Birth and early parenting may feel unpredictable at times, but with preparation, clarity, and self-advocacy, mothers can approach these experiences as empowered decision-makers.
Saying “no” may feel daunting, but investing in awareness, communication, and confidence allows mothers to set boundaries, honor their choices, and cultivate agency. By practicing self-advocacy, mothers can navigate birth not as passive participants but as empowered, intentional decision-makers who confidently shape their experiences.
Connect with Sarah Marie:
Website: www.enteringmotherhood.com/contact
Instagram: @entering.motherhood
Facebook: Entering Motherhood
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