Expectant parents these days are a lot more informed than anytime in history. They can readily access information via the Internet and tend to read everything they can pertaining to pregnancy, birthing and postpartum care. They seek advice from friends and other people regarding their birth experiences. They watch videos on television and YouTube. In other words, they can be overwhelmed with information.

Why do they do this? It’s because we all have a fear of the unknown. And especially with a first time pregnancy, there is a lot of unknown. As with any new experience, it can be scary and this is very understandable. The more knowledge people have the better they feel. However, how can they decide what tips and strategies to retain and what not to retain?

As mentioned above, there is a tremendous amount of information today compared to even 10-15 years ago. It’s amazing! I remember when I was pregnant with my first baby in 1974. I took the information that my OB gave to me as gospel. (If I knew then, what I know now, I might have done things differently – although all turned out very well.)

There have always been a lot of questions being asked by moms-to-be. Today, there are a lot more sources of answers to allow expectant parents to be well informed and the result is they feel very empowered. Way to go ladies (and guys)!

To find out about my services, please visit my website at www.janmartinka.com. Feel free to write me with any (non-medical) birth or postpartum questions to get a doula’s perspective.