19/07/2026
Why did I write Not Born to Fear?
After more than 30 years of working with pregnant women, I’ve seen something that breaks my heart.
Too many women walk into birth believing they’re powerless.
Too many carry fear instead of confidence.
Too many come away from birth feeling that things happened to them, rather than feeling they were an active participant in one of the most important moments of their lives.
I’ve also met countless women preparing for a VBAC after a previous caesarean.
Many have been told what they can’t do.
Many have lost trust in their bodies.
And yet I’ve had the privilege of supporting more than 150 successful VBACs, watching women rediscover just how capable they really are.
What made the difference?
Preparation.
Education.
Support.
Confidence.
Not because birth always goes to plan—it doesn’t—but because informed women are better equipped to understand their options, ask questions, make decisions that align with their values, and adapt when circumstances change.
That’s why I believe childbirth education is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your baby.
Learn how birth works.
Understand the physiology of labour.
Know your rights.
Know your choices.
Understand the benefits, risks and alternatives when decisions need to be made.
Build a mindset of trust instead of fear.
Because when knowledge is combined with confidence, women step into birth feeling stronger, calmer and more empowered.
That is why I wrote Not Born to Fear.
Not to tell women how they should give birth.
But to help them understand that they deserve to be informed, supported and respected, whatever path their birth takes.
Because you were never born to fear birth.
You were born with the ability to learn, to trust yourself, and to make informed choices that are right for you and your baby.
That is the message I hope every woman carries with her. 🤍Gabrielle
