We've all heard the saying "Knowledge is power." I feel this is particularly true when it comes to your birth. I can't tell you when or where labor will start, how long it will be, or what twists and turns it may take. I can, however, recommend two very important tools to help you find the knowledge and resources to take some of the unexpected out of this first labor and birth experience: childbirth education class and professional birth doula support.

Since I first started attending births in 2005, I have seen over and over again that families who have taken childbirth education courses and hire birth doulas are usually well prepared heading into their birth experience. Are these an absolute necessity for all families? No. But for a large majority of first time birthing folks, childbirth education courses and professional birth doula support are invaluable resources and typically enhance a first time family's birth experience tremendously.

Because your birth experience is such an important one, if you choose to plan your first birth with Sage Springs Midwifery, you will also need to take a childbirth education course and work with a professional birth doula. (If you have labored and given birth before, this is not a requirement. Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis for first time families.)

But Amanda, why can't you teach me all the things I need to know? Won't you be at my birth and able to offer me all the support I need?