How Can Birth Partners Prepare for Labor?

When I first became pregnant at a very wise (ha!) 22 years old, I had a major pet peeve. I absolutely could not stand hearing a father or other non-pregnant partner say, "We're pregnant." Whenever someone said to me and my husband, "Oh, you guys are pregnant?" I would jump in with a very adamant,…

Embrace Your Power in Birth: How to Believe in Your Body

When I talk to women about their feelings regarding birth, they initially fall into one of two camps. Either they will say something like, "It would be too hard for me to do without drugs," or if they have decided to pursue a drug-free labor, they may say things like, "I hope I am strong…

Fear of Childbirth: Where Does It Come From?

A woman is happily chatting with a friend. Suddenly, her water breaks. It is a giant gush. Everyone freaks out. Thirty seconds later she is being rushed into the hospital in a wheelchair, screaming angrily at everyone she encounters. Cut to scene of doctor handing woman a huge, perfectly clean "newborn." Sound familiar? How about…