Written by: Tara Hunnewell
For me, the idea of a confident birth wasn’t something I grew up with. Raised in the United States, I inherited the belief that birth was inherently painful and something to fear. My own family’s experiences—my mother’s losses, my sister’s premature birth, and my C-section delivery—reinforced this narrative.
When I became pregnant in Sweden, I was introduced to a new perspective. With natural birth not only encouraged but celebrated, I worked with my incredible doula, Chery Sjögren, to reframe my understanding. By reconditioning my mind, I learned to embrace labor, seeing each contraction as a step closer to meeting my baby. Supported by my husband, I surrendered to the process, fully present, and allowed my body to do what it was designed to do.
The result was a transcendent and deeply loving experience. Our midwives described it as one of the most beautiful births they had ever witnessed.
This transformative journey inspired our latest podcast episode, Confident Birth, where Chery and I share insights into how mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation can help you create your own empowered birth story.
Here are five foundational tips to help you prepare for a confident, empowered, and natural birth:
5 Key Practices for a Confident Birth
- Reframe Your Mindset for Birth
A confident birth starts with the mind. Recondition your thoughts about labor, shifting from fear to empowerment. View contractions as productive, each one bringing you and your baby closer to meeting each other. - Build Your Birth Support Team
The right support can make all the difference. Choose a doula, partner, or birthing team that aligns with your vision for a positive, natural birth experience. Their confidence and grounding energy will help you stay centered. - Practice Breathwork and Relaxation Techniques
Breathing deeply and rhythmically is essential for managing labor sensations. Techniques like hypnobirthing help you stay calm and connected, promoting a relaxed and confident birthing experience. - Trust in Your Body’s Wisdom
Your body is biologically designed for birth. Tools like visualization and affirmations can help you trust your body’s natural process and embrace the miracle of childbirth. - Prepare Mentally and Spiritually
Meditation and mindfulness practices are key to achieving a confident birth. These tools strengthen your ability to stay present, surrender to the moment, and connect deeply with your baby.
Listen to Our Podcast Episode: Confident Birth with Doula Chery Sjögren
Want to dive deeper into what makes a confident birth possible? Tune into our latest podcast episode, Confident Birth, where Chery and I explore the tools and practices that empower mothers to embrace labor with trust and love.
Birth is not something to fear—it’s a journey to be embraced. With preparation, presence, and the right tools, you can create a confident birth experience that transforms not only how you meet your baby but how you meet yourself.
Article written by: Tara Hunnewell
Tara Hunnewell, co-founder of The NOW Studio, is a transformational coach and meditation expert with over 15 years of experience in the health and well-being industry. She specializes in empowering women through life’s transformative stages, including preparing for confident births and embracing conscious parenting.
As the creator of the BE HERE NOW tranformational program and a leader in mindfulness practices, Tara integrates meditation, breathwork, and emotional intelligence to inspire personal growth and balance. Through workshops, retreats, and trainings worldwide, she helps individuals connect with their inner calm and unlock their full potential.
