The Impact of Centering Parents’ Autonomy and Informed Consent: Mother of Thousands Midwifery

Written by Nicolle Maldonado Arendt, LM

Photos by Emily Santi Birth Photography

Taste of Midwifery Magazine 2026

From your positive pregnancy test to your baby’s first cry and everything afterwards, your parenthood journey may be full of joy, anticipation, and curiosity for the future. For many, especially BIPOC families, there may be uncertainties, fear, and the challenge of facing change. As the primary decision-makers for your care, how you approach these dynamics (and being fully supported regardless of your choices), makes a long-term impact on your outlook of your perinatal and parenthood experience, regardless of the outcome. Full informed consent is the gateway to autonomy: encouraging partnership, advocacy, and preparedness for any unexpected things that could arise.

When families honor this experience as a shared journey and truly support each other, the family unit strengthens as a whole. Your autonomy does not deserve to be overlooked, and neither do you.

Informed consent in pregnancy starts with learning how life will change physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally; and works best with full participation and involvement for both parents during the perinatal experience. It requires clear, evidence-based information, respectful communication, and the freedom to choose based on personal values, culture, religion, or circumstances. It involves doing independent research on different options for pregnancy care and planned place of delivery, procedures you may encounter during your pregnancy and/or interventions that may arise during labor or delivery based on those choices, and decisions to be made when your baby arrives. Knowledge is power.

Depending on your situation, this could also mean protecting each others’ peace from unwarranted  opinions, advocating for what you believe to be best for you and your family, and learning to be adaptive without fear if plans change. Choosing a culturally aware healthcare provider who trusts your capabilities, treats you with dignity, supports your decisions, and acknowledges your concerns helps keep your autonomy at the forefront of your experience. This could be the difference between your concerns being addressed or dismissed, your birth plan being respected or disregarded, your experience feeling empowered or pressured, and your decisions made out of the guidance of your spirit or out of coercion from outside sources. These concerns can become magnified for Black families who face systemic racism on top of preparing for birth and a new baby.

This may be a controversial statement so hear me out. Autonomy requires you to be genuinely and enthusiastically supported by your partner throughout pregnancy and parenthood. It’s crucial that you’re protected in your birth space, regardless of what you decide. If you are not feeling protected by your partner or support system, there can be spaces for others’ unwarranted opinions to influence their thoughts on your decisions. You could do all of the planning and preparation in the world, but if your person or support people are not in tune with your needs, it can feel like an uphill battle when you most need support. The primary family unit comes first over the opinions of others (even family members, sorry Abuelita!!). Autonomy thrives in a supportive environment. Partners, families, and care providers all contribute to reinforcing or undermining your sense of control.

The postpartum period and newborn care introduces another layer of autonomy as you discover how you want to grow and raise your baby. Your physical and mental recovery postpartum matter just as much as the physical and environmental growth of your child. Having a provider and support system who help you prepare beyond your birth helps to set you up for success in those first several weeks. It is important to be flexible and open-minded to the adjustments as you begin to get to know your baby and process your birth experience. Regardless of feeding choices, postpartum meals, and recovery plans, respecting parents’ voices foster confidence and reduces feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt.

Birth reminds us that preparation is not about perfection, but about readiness and resilience. Confidence comes from knowing your options and trusting your decisions, not by controlling your outcome. Parents who feel heard and respected more easily trust themselves and their instincts as they navigate raising a child. When families commit to learning, communicating, and supporting each other they create a nurturing environment where both parents and children can flourish regardless of their circumstances.