When we hear "self-advocacy in healthcare," a lot of people immediately think about pregnancy, birth plans, or big medical decisions. And while those are incredibly important moments to speak up for yourself, the truth is... advocacy matters in every medical setting  - even for routine check-ups.

Case in point: 

At my most recent midwife health check-in, I politely refused to be weighed. Not because I'm hiding from the number or avoiding reality, but because that number wasn't relevant to the reason I was there.

My weight wasn't needed for the specific assessment I was asking for, and I know from experience that stepping on that scale can sometimes be triggering for me - shifting my focus away from what actually matters in the moment. So I chose to skip it. And you know what? The nurse said, "Okay, no problem." That was it. No drama. No pushback. Just because we know something is routine, that doesn't mean it's necessary.

Why This Matters

That small "no thanks" was a reminder that we all have the right to set boundaries in medical care. Whether you're pregnant, postpartum, or simply getting a physical, you can:

• Ask questions before agreeing to tests or treatments
• Decline procedures that aren't necessary for your care
• Request more time to think about options
• Ask for the specific tests you think you'll need (YOU know YOU best!)
• Bring a support person into the room
• Ask for more information in plain language
• Seek a second opinion if something doesn't sit right with you

Advocacy isn't about being combative - it's about being an active participant in your care. 

 

Common Myths About Health Advocacy

Myth 1: "If I say no, I'm being difficult."

Truth: You're participating in shared decision-making. That's literally how ethical healthcare is supposed to work.

Myth 2: "Doctors know best, so I shouldn't question them."

Truth: Your provider may be an expert in medicine, but you are the expert in your own body. Good providers welcome your questions.

Myth 3: "I have to decide right away."

Truth: Unless it's an emergency, you usually have time to gather information and think before making a choice.

 

Advocacy in Pregnancy & Birth

If you are pregnant, these skills are invaluable for labor and delivery. Knowing how to:

• Use informed consent and informed refusal
• Ask about benefits, risks, alternatives, and timing (BRAIN method - I talk about this in my Informed & Empowered eBook!)
• Clarify your preferences in writing (birth plan)

... can transform your birth experience from something that "happens to you" into something you actively shape. If you're in Northern Colorado, I invite you to attend my Birth Rebels: Birth Your Way; Unapologetically Empowered class series where we dive into self-advocacy much deeper in our first class!

 

Advocacy Beyond Pregnancy

But let's be clear - self-advocacy isn't just a pregnancy thing. It's a life skill. Whether it's saying "no thanks" to being weighed, asking for a chaperone during an exam, or requesting to record important instructions, your voice matters in every stage of life.

 

Your Takeaway:

Advocacy starts with small choices. It's not just about the big decisions - it's about the everyday moments when you honor your body, your boundaries, and your right to be part of your own care. 

The more we practice speaking up - pregnant or not - the easier it becomes to do it when it matters most.