everything you need to know

Happy New Year!  I hope it is everything you want it to be for your family.

I just read a quote from a seasoned midwife named Susan Stalls.  She was asked how to prepare her mothers for childbirth, and this is what she said:

"There are three things that are givens about labor:  It's hard work, it hurts a lot, and you can do it.  That's the bottom line.  All the rest you learn about is icing on the cake."

I will continue to provide a little icing for you here and there, but this quote absolutely sums everything up.