Advocating for Yourself Could Be the Most Important Fertility Skill You Learn
The path to parenthood is rarely simple. It’s personal and at times a little intimidating. Whether you’re thinking about trying to conceive, already in early pregnancy, or just exploring your options, one truth remains: your voice matters.
At Kindbody, we believe that keeping families informed creates the healthiest families and it all starts with self-advocacy. Knowing how to speak up, ask questions, and demand clarity from your care team dramatically shapes your fertility experience and your future birth story.
Why Self-Advocacy Matters
In today’s healthcare system, women too often feel brushed aside, misunderstood, or pressured into decisions without getting all of the information. According to the Listening to Mothers report, nearly one-third of women held back from asking questions because their providers seemed too rushed or feared they might be viewed as difficult. We’re here to change that.
5 Ways to Advocate for Yourself Before, During, and After Pregnancy
1. Visualize the Care You Deserve
Think about how you want to feel during your care. Safe? Heard? Fully informed? Write these things down. Then evaluate your current provider against that list. If they don’t meet the mark, you’re allowed and encouraged to find someone else who does.
2. Know That You’re Not “Too Much”
Many women, especially professionals used to high achievement, hesitate to question authority in the medical field. Informed decision-making is not about conflict but clarity. You are your child’s first advocate, starting with how you’re treated.
3. Get Educated on Your Birthplace’s Routine Practices
Not all hospitals or clinics approach pregnancy the same way. Knowing how your intended birth site handles things prepares you to make informed choices along the way.
4. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Avoid yes/no traps. Instead, ask open-ended things like:
- “What are my full range of options?”
- “How does this clinic typically manage inductions?”
- “How much time do I have to decide?”
This creates space for your provider to explain rather than dictate.
5. Seek Community Support and Professional Guidance
You don’t have to do this alone. Kindbody’s own care teams help you practice these conversations, recognize your triggers, and overcome internalized fears about being a “difficult patient.”
You Are Your Own Best Advocate
When preparing for pregnancy, actively trying to conceive, or exploring what parenthood might look like for you, you deserve a care experience built on partnership and mutual respect.
At Kindbody we center your voice in every fertility conversation. Our clinicians, fertility coaches, and educators create space for your questions, your values, and your dreams. Because we know informed parents build empowered families. Your story starts with a conversation.
Take the Next Step Toward Empowered Fertility Care
