By alice Worthy, the modern doula
For many expectant parents, the thought of giving birth brings up more anxiety than excitement—I know it did for me when I was pregnant! Thanks to Hollywood’s overly dramatic birth scenes and well–meaning horror stories from friends and family, it’s no wonder so many people fear birth. It’s all we’ve grown up seeing, and for many of us, we’ve never actually witnessed a normal birth before.
But here’s the truth: birth doesn’t have to be scary. With the right education, preparation, and support, you can replace fear with confidence. A thorough birth course is designed to give you the tools, knowledge, and mindset shifts that make labour feel less like a terrifying unknown and more like an experience you can navigate with calmness and confidence.
Most of us grow up thinking of birth as painful, chaotic, and completely out of our control. We’re conditioned to believe it’s just something we have to endure. But the reality is, our bodies are designed for this. We know it rationally—after all, we got here somehow! The problem is that no one teaches us how to actually work with our bodies during labour. We’re just told to “go with the flow” and hope for the best.
That’s where a birth course comes in. It bridges the gap between fear and confidence by teaching you what’s actually happening in your body and how to stay in control. When you understand the process, the fear of the unknown fades, and you step into birth feeling prepared and empowered.
One of the biggest game–changers you’ll learn in a birth course is how to use your breath. Your breath is your superpower in labour, and the right techniques can help you manage contractions, stay present, and avoid panic. Instead of shallow, frantic breathing that makes contractions feel worse, you’ll learn how to harness deep, controlled breaths that support your body through each wave.
Birth positioning is another crucial tool. Lying on your back isn’t your only option—in fact, it’s often one of the least effective positions for labour progress. A great birth course will teach you optimal labour positions that help open your pelvis, encourage baby’s descent, and reduce pain. Whether it’s rocking on a birth ball, lunging, or using a rebozo (a favourite tool among doulas), movement can make a huge difference in how labour unfolds.
Relaxation techniques also play a key role in making birth easier. Tension creates pain, and pain creates fear, which leads to more tension—a cycle that can make labour much harder than it needs to be. A birth course teaches you how to break that cycle using visualization, guided relaxation, and hands–on techniques to keep your body soft and open during contractions. When you know how to stay calm, labour becomes way more manageable.
Equally important is understanding your birth options and how to advocate for them. Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, a home birth, or something in between, knowing your choices helps you feel in control of your experience. A birth course gives you the evidence based knowledge and resources to make informed decisions, communicate your preferences with confidence, and work with your healthcare provider to create a birth that aligns with your vision.
And let’s not forget about your birth partner. They aren’t just there to hold your hand (though that’s nice too!). A good birth course teaches them exactly how to support you—whether it’s through counterpressure, massage, encouraging words, or helping you stay focused when things get intense. Having a partner who knows what to do can make a huge difference in how supported and safe you feel during labour.
Birth isn’t just something to get through – it’s something you can experience with confidence and it can be the best day of your life! With the right preparation and education, labour can feel less like a battle and more like a powerful, transformative event. If you’re ready to step into birth feeling prepared, informed, and empowered, it’s time to enrol in a birth course!
Alice, The Modern Doula, helps modern women get what they want in birth & beyond, without the woo–woo! Creator of Birth Different, the birth course without the boring bits, she’s now increased her client load for 2025. Ready to birth differently? Contact Alice today.