Ask questions, and don't just accept the answers blindly. There’s not really any such thing as a “routine” procedure, except for what's part of your care provider’s typically-preferred routine. It’s all Optional. Recommended. Suggested. Commonly practiced.  If your care provider tells you to get a test or procedure done, ask what it’s for, and whether it’s medically necessary. Is this just something he or she likes to do to fill in a blank on a chart somewhere, or is this procedure actually highly beneficial for YOU and your baby, in your unique situation?

• Read this as an article on my Substack
• Check out my homebirth courses at RethinkBirth.com