For both us, this ‘thoughtful guide’ represents ideas and experiences gained across several

decades of supporting women for labour and birth. We first and foremost acknowledge all

the women and families from whom we have learnt so much.

This book is rich with stories from women about their experiences of labour and birth

support, and from midwives, childbirth educators and birth supporters who describe providing

that support. Special thanks are due to the thoughtful individuals who told us their stories

and gave us permission to share them with readers: Gina Augarde, Marleen De Rijk, Jaclyn

Hill-Smith, Meg Hitchick, Margaretha Huese, Jo Hunter, Sue Kildea, Annie Lester, Rachael

Lockey, Jane McMurtrie, Andrea Robertson, Jilly Rosser, Ruth Sanders, Rachel Smith,

Angela Thompson, Jen Watkins, Jacqui Wood, Annie Yates and Katie Yiannouzis.

Many of the ideas that are shared throughout the book reflect the contributions of people

who have contributed to research that we have been involved in. We have used both

published and unpublished data in quotations that reflect their wisdom and experiences. We

are deeply grateful for their generosity.

Nicky’s Masters thesis, A midwifery perspective on pain in labour, was influenced by

several midwives whose thoughtful approach to practice enabled the development of the

‘working with pain’ theory: Alice Coyle, Jill Demilew, Valerie Fray, Jo Naylor, Becky Reed,

Julie Rochford, Beatrijs Smulders, Helen Stapleton, Holliday Tyson, Marleen De Rijk and

Cathy Walton. Their knowledge and their insights are shared throughout this book.