You’ve Heard the Horror Stories… But Here’s What Most People Don’t Know About Birth

If you’re pregnant and feeling nervous about birth—you’re not alone.
Most moms today hear a lot more about what can go wrong than what can go right.
And I want you to know this: birth can go well. It absolutely can be a positive, empowering experience.

Friends, family, social media… horror stories are everywhere. And even though they’re usually shared with good intentions (“just wait until…”), they can leave you feeling scared, anxious, and completely unsure of what to expect.

Add to that the endless stream of conflicting information, and it’s no wonder so many expecting moms feel overwhelmed. How are you supposed to know who—or what—to believe about childbirth?

But here’s what you need to know:

• Birth doesn’t have to be scary.

• You can feel calm, prepared, and supported.

• There are plenty of beautiful, powerful, peace-filled birth stories too.

• Someone else’s experience is not your experience.

And while many people give little thought to actually preparing for birth…You can choose differently.

So Why Does It Seem Like Everyone Has a Traumatic Birth Story?

Because for many women, birth didn’t unfold the way they hoped—and they didn’t have the tools, support, or information they needed to navigate it.

It’s not that their bodies failed them.

It’s not that they didn’t try hard enough.

It’s more likely that...

• They didn’t have someone clearly explaining their options in the moment.

• They didn’t feel heard.

• They didn’t feel safe.

They were thrown into something deeply intense and life-changing… without a clear roadmap or a steady, experienced guide.

And while a solid birth plan and a supportive team can’t guarantee a perfect outcome, they can make all the difference in how you feel during and after the experience—especially if birth takes an unexpected turn.

So yes, some stories are heavy. But that doesn’t mean yours has to be.

What Changes the Story? Preparation + Support.

When you take time to prepare for birth—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally—something shifts.

You start to:

• Understand what your body is doing in labor - which makes it less scary

• Learn how to cope when things feel intense - instead of feeling helpless or out of control

• Feel more in tune with your voice and your choices - so you can speak up with clarity and confidence

• Build trust in your partner and your birth team - because you’ve talked, planned, and practiced before labor begins

• Stop spinning in fear… and start feeling ready - not just for the birth, but for the incredible moment you meet your baby and journey into parenthood

And when you’re supported by people who respect you, believe in you, and stay by your side?

That’s when birth transforms from something you dread to something you own. I always tell my birth class students to keep the mindset that birth is something you do, not something that just happens to you.