Free · 30 cards · from a certified doula
Exact sentences to say in the hospital when they recommend something you didn't plan for.
The Hospital Sentence Bank is 30 screenshot-ready cards — one sentence each, organized by the seven moments moms tell us they freeze: induction pressure, pain relief, paperwork, a sudden change of plan, and more. No jargon. No confrontation. Just the words.
Free Download — 30 Cards
Get the Free Hospital Sentence Bank
Enter your name and email and we'll send all 30 sentence cards as a print-ready PDF — one sentence per card, organized by the seven hospital moments. Screenshot them, print them, tuck them in your hospital bag. No spam, just the words you need.
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Built for the moments nobody preps you for
Most birth education tells you what a procedure is. Almost none of it tells you what to say when it's happening to you — with a doctor waiting, a pen in your hand, and your heart pounding.
Every card gives you one sentence, when it comes up, why it works, and what happens next — so you walk in informed, strong, and collaborative.
- ✓30 sentences across 7 hospital moments
- ✓Screenshot one card, send it to your person
- ✓Print-friendly PDF — tucks into any hospital bag
The seven moments, one glance
Every card belongs to a moment. Here's a taste of each — the full bank has all 30.
Induction Pressure
5 sentences
Epidural & Pain Relief Discussion
4 sentences
Unexpected Intervention Recommendation
4 sentences
Consent & Paperwork
4 sentences
Communication Breakdowns
4 sentences
Scheduling & Pace Pressure
4 sentences
Being Alone or Unsupported in the Room
5 sentences
Sample cards
Sample card
“Can you walk me through why you're recommending induction today, and what my alternatives are?”
When it comes up: your provider suggests starting labor before it starts on its own — at a checkup, over the phone, or at the hospital.
What happens next: you'll get the medical picture (your baby's status, your body, your timeline) and usually a range of choices — wait and monitor, schedule it, or go home and come back. You and your provider decide together.
Sample card
“Before I sign, can you explain what I'm agreeing to in plain language?”
When it comes up: a clipboard appears with a form and a quick "just sign here."
What happens next: they walk you through it in real words. If something doesn't make sense, ask again — you haven't held anyone up; you've done your job.
Sample card
“I'd like my support person (my doula/partner) in the room for this conversation. When can they come back in?”
When it comes up: a shift change, a procedure, or a hallway conversation is happening and your person got left outside.
What happens next: your person rejoins you, usually quickly. Support in the room changes every conversation that follows.
Made by a doula who's been in the room
I'm Shelbi Kohler, certified birth doula. I've watched brilliant, prepared moms go quiet the second a hospital hallway gets serious. I made this bank because nobody hands you the words — and you deserve to have them before you need them.
You've got this. — Shelbi
Love these? Build the whole plan around them.
The Sentence Bank works best inside a real plan. The Joyful Birth Plan is our free, fillable birth plan — it shows you where each of these sentences fits, before you ever walk through the doors.
Download free birth planWant to go deeper? Book a Birth Plan Confidence Session and practice these 1:1 with Shelbi — or explore the birth plan checklist to keep building.
Questions, answered
Is it really free?+
Yes — all 30 cards, no credit card. Just your email so we can send the PDF.
Is this medical advice?+
No. These are communication tools, not clinical recommendations. They never tell you to accept or refuse care — your provider knows your situation best.
Can my partner or doula use them?+
Absolutely. They’re built for sharing — screenshot, print, or hand the phone across the bed.
What if I’m having a planned C-section or a scheduled induction?+
The bank covers conversations, not birth outcomes — consent, communication, and pace moments happen in every kind of birth.
True Joy Birthing provides birth education, not medical advice. These sentences are communication tools to help you talk with your care team — they are not a substitute for your provider's guidance. Your care team knows your unique situation best; always follow their recommendations for medical decisions.
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