When we talk about preparing for birth, we often focus on the physical stuff: dilation, contractions, perineal massage, pushing techniques. But here’s a truth bomb I wish more people knew:

Your brain is calling the shots in labour.

As a Birth Educator I teach the value of labouring and birthing in an upright position. It is also one of the key Healthy Birth Practices I teach in my Lamaze classes – Healthy Birth Practice #5: Avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body’s urges to push.