Having given birth twice, I understand how important it is as a laboring mother to feel heard and supported. In my first labor experience, I didn’t feel that my wishes were respected. I was young, and felt that I had to go along with whatever the doctors told me regardless of whether I agreed or not. My birth experience would have been very different had I been educated and supported. My second birth experience was a dream. My medical team supported me in every decision. I felt listened to and respected. I chose to give birth without medicine, and I was fortunate enough to need little intervention. It is so important to me to help the laboring person feel heard, respected, and supported.    
    

   Mothers remember their birth experiences for the rest of their lives. I want to educate and support her in making informed decisions, whether she wants a homebirth, a cesarean section, or an epidural.