Why Intuition Beats Expertise in Childbirth… and Beyond

Here’s a question for you: When did we decide that “expertise” was more important than instinct when it comes to pregnancy and  birth, and motherhood for that matter? Somewhere along the way, we started handing over the reins to anyone with a degree, liscense or a clipboard, and in doing so, we silenced the very thing that makes birth powerful—our intuition. 

Be real for a second… If you’re exploring freebirth, you’ve probably felt the pressure to “know all of the things.” You might be drowning in birth books, binge-watching YouTube videos, or obsessing over every possible complication as if becoming an expert is the key to a safe birth. 

But the raw, unfiltered truth is: No amount of expertise can replace the wisdom you already carry inside you. Birth isn’t a puzzle to solve or a test to ace—it’s an intuitive, primal process that thrives when you stop overthinking and start trusting YOUrself. Let’s break down why intuition will always trump expertise when it comes to childbirth.. and in my opinion motherhood as a whole. 

Expertise Lives in the Brain, Intuition Lives in the Body 

Here’s the thing about expertise: It’s cerebral. It’s all about gathering data, analyzing risks, and making decisions based on facts. That can be helpful—don’t get me wrong—but birth isn’t a mental exercise. It’s a physical, emotional, and deeply spiritual experience that unfolds in the body, not the brain. 

Intuition, on the other hand, is embodied wisdom. It’s that gut feeling that tells you when to change positions, when to rest, or when something feels off. It’s your body’s way of communicating with you, and it’s way more in tune with the moment than any textbook, contraction timer, or cervical dilation estimate could ever be. 

When you lean into intuition, you stop micromanaging birth and start flowing with it. And that’s where the magic happens. 

Expertise Relies on Standard Protocols, Intuition Responds to the MOMent 

Expertise often comes with a playbook: if X happens, do Y. It’s a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach that assumes birth is predictable and/or controllable. But let’s be honest—birth NEVER follows a script. It’s dynamic, unpredictable, and completely unique to you and your baby. 

Intuition doesn’t need a playbook. It’s adaptable, responsive, and perfectly suited to handle the twists and turns of labor. When you trust your instincts and intuition, you’re able to make real-time decisions based on what’s actually happening—not what someone else decided was “normal” or “necessary.” 

Here’s an example: A midwife might suggest you push because you’re fully dilated, but your intuition might tell you to wait. Guess what? Your body knows better than the midwife and her clock. 

Expertise Creates Fear, Intuition Fosters Trust 

When you rely solely on expertise, it’s easy to get caught up in the “what-ifs.” What if the baby’s too big? What if labor stalls? What if something goes wrong? Expertise thrives on identifying problems, and that can create a constant undercurrent of fear. 

Intuition, on the other hand, is rooted in trust—trust in your body, your baby, and the process of birth itself. It reminds you that you don’t need all the answers to navigate labor; you just need to stay present and connected. 

The gag is, fear is one of the biggest disruptors of labor. When you let intuition take the lead, you create a space of calm, safety, and trust that allows your body to do what it’s designed to do. 

Expertise Assumes Authority, Intuition Reclaims It 

Expertise often comes with a power dynamic. The expert tells you what to do, and you’re expected to comply. This can leave you feeling powerless, like birth is something being done *to* you instead of something you and your baby are actively participating in. 

Intuition flips that script. When you trust your instincts, you reclaim your authority as the one who knows your body—and your baby—better than anyone else. You stop looking for validation from outside sources and start trusting yourself to make the right choices. 

This doesn’t mean you ignore information or advice—it means you filter it through your intuition instead of blindly accepting it. 

Intuition Honors the Individual, Expertise Generalizes 

The problem with expertise is that it’s often based on averages, statistics, and generalizations. But you’re not a statistic. Your baby isn’t an average. Birth is deeply personal, and no expert can understand your unique sacred experience better than you can. 

Intuition, on the other hand, honors your individuality. It’s attuned to your specific body, your specific baby, and your specific birth. It allows you to respond in ways that feel right for *you,* not what’s “right” according to someone else’s standards. 

Trust Yourself—You Were Made for This 

You don’t need to be an expert in childbirth to birth your baby. You don’t need to memorize every risk or scenario, and you certainly don’t need to outsource your power to someone else. 

What you need is already inside you. 

Intuition isn’t some abstract, mystical thing—it’s a real, practical tool that helps you navigate the incredible process of birth. When you trust it, you create a birth experience that’s grounded in connection, empowerment, and trust. 

Ready to Tune Into Your Intuition? 

If you’re tired of letting fear and doubt run the show, it’s time to reconnect with your inner wisdom, book a call with me for actionable tips and insights to help you prepare for the birth you desire—no expertise required. 

What’s one way you’ve learned to trust your intuition in pregnancy or birth?

Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re reclaiming your power!