Hey there, mama-to-be! You might be feeling a little overwhelmed with all the information (or the lack of it) about giving birth. But take a deep breath — I’ve got you.
As a Rexburg Idaho Birth Photographer and certified doula with more than a decade in perinatal care, I’ve spent my career walking alongside women through pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. Now that I’ve brought my work here to Rexburg/Teton Valley/Jackson, I’m so excited to serve local families in this beautiful corner of Idaho and Wyoming.
Here are 15 things your doctor might not tell you about giving birth — truths that can help you feel calm, informed, and deeply connected as you prepare to meet your baby.
1. Epidurals aren’t your only option for pain relief.
Epidurals are common, but they’re not your only choice. Many parents find comfort through nitrous oxide, massage, hypnobirthing, acupuncture, or simply being surrounded by people who help them feel safe.
Ask your doctor: “What other comfort options do you see moms use successfully?”
2. Water can be your best friend.
Warm water can ease contractions, help you move freely, and make birth more comfortable. Whether it’s a birthing pool, shower, or tub, water supports your body beautifully.
Ask: “Are there birthing pools or tubs available to use?”
3. Your birth hormones are powerful — trust them.
Your body knows what to do. Oxytocin and endorphins help birth unfold naturally when you feel safe, supported, and unhurried. A calm, dimly lit space allows your hormones to work just as they were designed to.
Ask your doctor: “How can we create a calm, uninterrupted environment during labor?”
4. You can dim the lights.
Soft, low light helps you stay grounded and keeps your nervous system calm. Bright lights can feel clinical — but warm, gentle light helps your body relax.
Ask: “Can we lower the lights during labor and delivery?”
5. There are many ways to give birth — and lying on your back isn’t the only one.
You can birth while squatting, kneeling, side-lying, standing, or leaning over your partner. Gravity is your friend, and movement helps both your comfort and your baby’s descent.
(As a Rexburg Idaho and Jackson Wyoming Birth Photographer, I often see the most instinctive, powerful births unfold when mamas move freely and follow their intuition.)
Ask your doctor: “In which positions do you feel comfortable supporting me?”
6. Doulas are amazing — and not just for birth.
A doula is a trained support person who walks with you through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. They help you feel calm, confident, and cared for — emotionally and physically.
As a certified doula, I’ve seen how powerful it can be to have someone in your corner — reminding you to breathe, helping you stay grounded, and holding space for your story as it unfolds.
Ask your doctor: “How can I include my doula as part of my birth team?”
7. Midwives are an incredible choice for care.
Midwives are highly trained professionals who specialize in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Their approach is often more personal, gentle, and centered around the natural process of birth. They take time to listen, explain, and build a relationship — helping you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
Ask your doctor: “Would working with a midwife be an option for my care or delivery?”
(As a Jackson Wyoming Birth Photographer and doula, I’ve seen how empowering midwifery care can be — it’s compassionate, collaborative, and rooted in trust.)
8. Your partner has a powerful role too.
Birth isn’t just about the mother — it’s about the family being born. Partners can offer touch, presence, words, or quiet strength that change everything.
Ask: “How can my partner best support me during labor?”
9. You can eat and drink during labor.
Fueling your body matters. Light snacks and hydration can help keep your energy steady and your focus strong.
Ask: “Under what circumstances would I need to stop eating or drinking during labor?”
10. Your mind is powerful.
Breathing, visualization, meditation, or even quiet affirmations can lower stress hormones and boost endorphins. The calmer you feel, the easier birth can flow.
Ask: “What can I practice now to help me stay calm during labor?”
11. You’ll probably poop during labor (and it’s totally okay).
Let’s normalize it — it’s completely natural and just means you’re pushing correctly. Your care team has seen it all and won’t even blink. Promise.
12. Your birth plan isn’t about control — it’s about clarity.
A birth plan isn’t rigid — it’s a way to communicate your wishes and help your care team understand what helps you feel safe and supported.
Ask: “Can we review my birth preferences together before labor?”
13. You can bring your own music.
Music changes the energy of the room — it calms your breath, lifts your mood, and helps you feel grounded. Bring your playlist, sound machine, or anything that helps you feel at peace.
Ask: “Can I play music during labor?”
14. Cesarean birth can still be beautiful.
If your path includes a cesarean, it can still be calm and connected. Gentle cesareans with low lights, music, and immediate skin-to-skin make all the difference.
Ask: “What options do I have to make a cesarean feel more personal?”
15. Your story matters.
Birth changes you — body, mind, and soul. Whether it’s wild, calm, fast, or slow, it’s your story. Take time to honor it, talk about it, and remember it.
(As a Rexburg Idaho and Jackson Wyoming Birth Photographer, I believe every birth story deserves to be remembered — because it’s the start of everything.)
In the end…
You deserve to feel supported, informed, and empowered in your birth choices. Every story is different — and every one is sacred in its own way.
If you’re preparing to welcome your baby soon and want this season remembered in a way that feels calm, connected, and true — I’d love to walk beside you.
Whether your path winds through a forest or a hospital hallway — it’s yours. Wild. Raw. Unscripted. Beautiful, and worthy of being remembered.
