Birth Trauma and Informed Consent: How Education & Advocacy Empower Women

What happens when birth doesn’t go as planned? In this episode, Lisa talks with Hihi Stewart—founder of the Birth Lounge—about birth trauma and informed consent. They explore how outdated hospital routines and poor communication can lead to traumatic experiences for women. Moreover, Hihi shares simple strategies for navigating hospital rules, choosing supportive providers, and building emotional resilience. As she says, “Your birth is your right… you deserve to make it everything that you want it to be.” By drawing on real examples and practical steps, this episode empowers both women and practitioners to reclaim informed choice and respectful care.

Why birth trauma and informed consent matter

The culture around childbirth often assumes emergencies and disregards a woman’s voice. Consequently, she may feel powerless or unheard. However, when informed consent is prioritized and providers offer respectful communication, birth becomes safer and more empowering. Additionally, education and advocacy shift the narrative from fear to preparation—especially in hospital settings. In fact, birth trauma can often be prevented when women understand their rights and receive consistent support before and during labor.

Birth Trauma and Informed Consent: Key Discussion Timestamps

• 00:00 – Welcome & episode overview
• 03:15 – About HeHe Stewart’s work and background
• 06:20 – Common misunderstandings in the medical model
• 13:45 – Defining birth trauma: unavoidable vs avoidable
• 21:10 – Real examples: consent violations and coercion in labor
• 29:50 – Role of education & birth workers in protecting consent
• 35:00 – Preparing for hospital birth: choosing a provider & advocacy strategies
• 41:20 – Flexibility and mindset during labor and postpartum
• 47:00 – Final message: every woman deserves support and autonomy
• 49:30 – How to connect with HeHe and her resources

Supporting Clients: Birth Trauma and Informed Consent in Practice

• Birth trauma can be avoidable when a woman’s preferences are ignored, consent is bypassed, or communication is absent.
• Well‑designed education courses can equip women to understand risks, anticipate hospital routines, and reinforce informed consent in labor.
• Having a supportive birth worker (doula or Birth Lounge‑trained ally) significantly increases the chance that preferences are honored.
• Even in hospital settings, women retain rights: hospital policy is not law, and declining interventions (within low‑risk parameters) is a valid choice.
• Planning for variability and investing in emotional preparedness builds resilience and reduces trauma if outcomes shift.
• A strong, pre‑labor provider conversation can surface tensions and align care intentions early.
• Two confirmed‐podcast episodes for practitioners: see “Related Podcast Episodes” below.

Memorable Quotes

• “Birth trauma happens … where you are mistreated in labor in some regard.”
• “Hospital policy is not law … you have the right to consume nourishment and nutrition during labor.”
• “You deserve to have care that makes you feel empowered in the choices that you are making.”

Related Research

• Post‑traumatic stress disorder following childbirth — Ertan D, Hingray C, Burlacu E, et al. BMC Psychiatry (2021). PMID: 33749447
• Barriers to informed consent in obstetric care during childbirth from practitioner’s perspective: a qualitative study — Abiola L, Legendre G, Koechlin A, et al. BMJ Open (2023). PMID: 37362416
• Women’s experiences of decision‑making and informed choice about pregnancy and birth care: a systematic review and meta‑synthesis — Yuill C, McCourt C, Cheyne H, Leister N. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth (2020). PMID: 32538565

Resources and Mentions

• The BirthLounge website — childbirth education & membership support
• Practitioner’s Guide to Optimizing Egg Quality
• FAM Charting Workbook

Related Podcast Episodes

• FFP 565 | Elevating The Birth World With Fertility Awareness Education
• FFP 543 | The Bias Against Fertility Awareness Methods In Medical Settings

About Lisa Hendrickson‑Jack

Certified Fertility Awareness Educator, author of The Fifth Vital Sign and Real Food for Fertility, and creator of FAMM.

Call to Action

Interested in integrating trauma‑informed birth education into practice? Learn more about the Fertility Awareness Mastery Mentorship.

This podcast episode is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with questions regarding your health or treatment.