Part of being able to answer our questions about birth and labor, is being able to understand how culture plays a part in how we view birth, and then being able to break through that. England describes it this way, “In birth preparation, your first task is to empty your mind of expectations and judgements that narrow the possibilities for coping with pain, surprises and the hard work of labor. Being empty will allow you to recieve, moment-by-moment, the messages conveyed by your body mind and heart.” Doing this allows you to be more aware of your needs during birth instead of worrying about if you are doing it right.