Dear Reader

If you’ve ever thought: I have a low pain tolerance, I could never get through labor.

I have a secret for you..

Your pain tolerance is irrelevant.

What?! You mean I don't need a high pain tolerance to be able to get through labor? Correct.

Let’s talk about it.

First: what does “pain tolerance” even mean?

Usually people apply this idea of a low pain tolerance to stubbing your toe, getting dental work, banging your elbow. You assess how much it bothers you. Are you screaming, or are you managing?

For most people, these things really hurt!! I dropped a pack n play on my toe this summer and fractured it. MAJOR OUCH. But here’s the thing: these experiences have nothing to do with labor pain.

Like, really nothing.

When you hurt yourself, your brain sends a pain signal to alert you to danger so you can address it.

But labor pain is different.

It’s not a sign that something’s wrong or that you’re hurt. It’s an intense sensation - but it’s normal.

More than that, it's subjective.

Your mental and emotional state heavily influence how you experience the sensations in labor...

• If you’re stressed, the pain feels worse.
• If you’re afraid, it feels stronger.
• If you feel safe and calm, though, it can actually feel less intense.

Working through the intensity of labor has a lot more to do with your sense of safety than your pain tolerance.

This is what I want to explore with you during a new free masterclass called Rethinking Labor Pain.

If you have a low or high pain tolerance, planning to go unmedicated, or you're sure you will want to get an epidural, you deserve to feel prepared to move through labor with multiple tools and the right mindset.

This class will give you a broader perspective on what really helps when it comes to coping with labor, what you can expect if you choose an epidural, and most importantly - how to make choices from a place of confidence, not fear.

So many moms tell me they "need" an epidural because they have a low pain tolerance. Or that they'll "probably be fine" because they have a high pain tolerance. I get where you're coming from, but in my humble opinion, neither of those is really correct.

Labor pain is it's own category and I'm excited to explore this topic with you in much more detail.

Are you ready?

Join me on November 17th at 8PM EST for Rethinking Labor Pain: Why Preparation Matters more than your Pain Tolerance.

Whether you're hoping for an unmedicated birth or sure you want an epidural - this is for you. Sign up right here.

Curious to hear from you! Do you feel like you have a low or high pain tolerance? Is that influencing your birth plans or has it influenced your previous birth? Let me know by replying to this email! I love to hear your stories and experiences.