Don't be afraid to put your foot down

Saying "no" to your OB/midwife is not rude. It is your right as a patient, human being, and a paying customer! Christians strive to be kind and considerate, careful not to offend caregivers (which is very admirable). Some women are worried that they must follow what their ob/midwife says since she's the authority but this is not true. Your ob/midwife is a medical authority but this doesn't mean she's in a position of authority over you. Quite the opposite! Because you hired her, you're the "master" and she is the "servant." In other words, you have authority over your ob/midwife. Yes, you should be polite. Saying no to someone who is providing a service to you in exchange for money is NOT rude. They can't provide "excellent" service if you don't tell them what you do and do not want. Even if you're sure she has your best interests in mind, you can still ask for more time before making a decision and even say no with no guilt. It doesn't make you mean, rude or a bad parent. It actually makes you a better parent for standing up for your child! Your ob/midwife is offering suggestions but it is your body, your baby and your labor and ultimately it is all your decision. Yes, you should trust your providers are looking out for your best interests, but it isn't fair to expect perfection. Your ob/midwife will give her opinion and the possibilities of the situation, but that doesn't make it an absolute truth. Following blindly without asking for other ideas will limit your ability to retain some semblance of control. After all it is your body, your baby and your labor we are talking about here.