You were never meant to just ‘get through’ your birth—you were meant to experience it.

The Empowered Birth Academy gives you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to step into labor feeling calm, capable, and completely supported—no matter how your story unfolds.

LOOK, I GET IT. YOU'VE WATCHED THE SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEOS...BUT YOU STILL DON'T FEEL PREPARED.

And that’s not your fault. Most birth content out there doesn't actually give you the full story.

This isn’t just another piece of birth content filled with textbook info or vague advice.

The Empowered Birth Academy is your all-in-one, step-by-step guide to preparing for birth with clarity, calm, and confidence. You’ll learn what’s actually happening in your body during labor, how to cope through every stage, and how to make empowered decisions that align with your values—no matter what your birth looks like.

Let’s Replace the Fear of the Unknown With a Plan You Actually Feel Good About

I didn’t always feel empowered about birth.

Even as a labor nurse, when it was my turn to give birth, I realized how easy it is to feel like you’re just along for the ride—like birth is something that happens to you instead of something you’re actively doing.

With my first baby, I prepared the way most people do: I trusted my provider, skimmed a few articles, and figured I’d just “go with the flow.” But once labor started, I felt more overwhelmed than ready. The decisions were fast, the intensity surprised me, and I kept wondering, “Why wasn't I prepared for this?”

That experience changed everything.
Not only did it shape the way I approached my next two births—it completely shifted the way I support women inside the delivery room and beyond.

Birth doesn’t have to feel confusing or out of your hands.
With the right preparation, you can feel calm, clear, and capable—no matter what path your labor takes.

That’s why I created The Empowered Birth Academy. It’s the course I wish I had with my first and the course that was inspired by my second (when I had the euphoric, unmedicated birth that I always wanted. And now, it’s here for you.

Feel Confident, In Control, and Completely Ready for the Birth You Deserve.

I see you—reading all the blogs, listening to the podcasts, scrolling late at night wondering, “Am I really ready for this?”
Whether it’s your first baby or your third, birth can feel big, unpredictable, and honestly… a little scary.

I’ve been there—not just as a mom, but as a labor and delivery nurse who's stood beside hundreds of women as they navigated their births. And here’s what I’ve learned:

You don’t need to control every twist and turn of labor.
You just need the right tools, the right mindset, and the right support to step into it with confidence.

That’s exactly why I created The Empowered Birth Academy. It’s everything I wish every mom had before walking into the delivery room—practical prep, powerful education, and mindset coaching that helps you feel strong, not scared.

Because birth isn’t something you endure. It’s something you get to experience.
And I’m here to help you make it one you’ll feel proud of forever.

Feel Confident, In Control, and Completely Ready for the Birth You Deserve.

I’ve been there—not just as a mom, but as a labor and delivery nurse who's stood beside hundreds of women as they navigated their births. And here’s what I’ve learned:

You don’t need to control every twist and turn of labor.
You just need the right tools, the right mindset, and the right support to step into it with confidence.

Because birth isn’t something you endure. It’s something you get to experience.
And I’m here to help you make it one you’ll feel proud of forever.

Get started today!

Are you ready to stop waiting and start creating the birth story you know could be yours?

Get Started Now

The Empowered Birth Academy

The Step-By-Step Roadmap To Your Most Unmedicated Birth

The Empowered Birth Academy is a self-paced online course that teaches you exactly how to prepare for a calm, confident, and in-control birth experience—on your terms.

Whether you’re hoping for an unmedicated delivery, planning to keep your options open, or just want to stop feeling anxious and start feeling ready, this course gives you the tools, knowledge, and mindset to navigate labor with clarity and strength. It’s everything you wish they taught in a hospital class—but designed to help you actually feel empowered when it matters most.

I'M SO IN!

WHAT'S INSIDE

THE EMPOWERED BIRTH ACADEMY?

01.

Module 1: INTRODUCTION

Welcome to The Empowered Birth Academy! In this first module, you’ll get an overview of what’s inside the course and how to get the most out of it.
We’ll walk through the course structure, share the core objectives, and set you up with everything you need to feel confident and focused as you dive in.
This is your starting point—where the journey to your most empowered birth experience begins!

3 Lessons

9m learning time

02.

Module 2: EMPOWERED VS UNMEDICATED BIRTH

Let’s clear something up from the start—empowered birth doesn’t have just one definition. In this module, you’ll learn the difference between striving for an unmedicated birth and preparing for an empowered one.
We’ll unpack the expectations, mindset shifts, and cultural narratives around natural birth, and help you define your own birth goals based on what truly matters to you.

3 Lessons

25m learning time

03.

Module 3: MINDSET WORK

Your mindset is one of the most powerful tools you’ll bring into the birth room. In this module, we’ll walk through proven mindset strategies that help you replace fear with confidence and uncertainty with calm.
You’ll identify what might hold you back and learn how to move through those blocks with intention.
We’ll also begin the process of birth planning from an empowered lens—so you’re not just checking boxes, you’re preparing with purpose.

3 Lessons

40m learning time

04.

Module 4: LABOR & BIRTH FOUNDATIONS

Before you can confidently work with your body during labor, you need to understand what it’s actually doing. In this module, we’ll go deep into the physiology of birth—how your body prepares for labor, what’s happening with your baby’s position in the womb, and the powerful role your hormones play throughout the process.
This foundational knowledge helps you trust the process, feel connected to your body, and fully step into your power as labor begins.

4 Lessons

35m learning time

05.

Module 5: IS THIS LABOR?

Every mom asks it at some point: “Is this really labor... or just a weird cramp?” In this module, we’ll break down exactly what labor is—and what it isn’t.
You’ll learn how to recognize the real signs of labor, what it means when your water breaks (and what to do next), and how to understand the phases and stages your body moves through during the process. No more second-guessing everything—you’ll feel informed, calm, and ready to respond when the time comes.

3 Lessons

40m learning time

06.

Module 6: AT THE HOSPITAL

Once it’s go-time, knowledge is your best support system. In this module, you’ll learn when to head to the hospital, what to expect when you arrive, and how to navigate the process with confidence.
We’ll cover your rights as a patient, how to practice informed consent, and what you really need to know about labor and birth interventions.
You’ll gain an understanding of the “cascade of interventions,” so you can make educated choices that align with your goals.

5 Lessons

1h 25m learning time

07.

Module 7: LABOR PREP- GETTING READY FOR GO-TIME

This is where it all starts to feel real. In this module, we’ll talk through the early signs your body is getting ready for labor and how to prepare yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally for the big day.
You’ll learn how to set up your birth environment for comfort and calm—whether you’re birthing at home, in a hospital, or somewhere in between.
Plus, you’ll get clear on how to prep your birth team so everyone supporting you knows how to show up and help you feel safe, strong, and seen.

4 Lessons

45m learning time

08.

Module 8: PAIN & PROGRESSION IN EARLY LABOR

Early labor can feel uncertain—contractions start, but things are still manageable... and you’re wondering how long will this last? In this module, you’ll learn how to stay comfortable, calm, and proactive during this early phase.
We’ll focus on simple but effective techniques to manage pain, encourage steady progression, and conserve energy for what’s ahead. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to do—and when—in those first exciting (and sometimes loooong) hours of labor.

4 Lessons

1h learning time

09.

Module 9: PAIN & PROGRESSION IN ACTIVE LABOR

This is where things get real—and you’ll be ready. In this module, we move into the more intense stages of labor with powerful, proven strategies to cope with increasing contractions and keep your body progressing.
You’ll learn advanced comfort techniques, movement and positioning options, and mindset tools that help you stay in control, focused, and supported as labor intensifies. It’s not just about getting through—it’s about owning every moment.

4 Lessons

45m learning time

10.

Module 10: PAIN & PROGRESSION IN TRANSITION

This is the moment when everything feels big. Transition is often the most intense stage of labor—but it’s also the shortest. In this module, you’ll learn how to recognize when you’ve hit this powerful phase and exactly what to do to ride the wave instead of fighting against it.
I’ll guide you through advanced coping tools, mental strategies, and partner support techniques to help you stay grounded and strong, even when it feels overwhelming. You’re closer than ever—and you’ve absolutely got this.

1 Lesson

18m learning time

11.

Module 11: THE FINISH LINE - BIRTH

You’ve made it. In this module, we’ll walk you through the moment you’ve been preparing for—the birth itself.
You’ll learn how to recognize when your body is ready to push, what to expect during delivery, and how to work with your body during this final stage.
We’ll also talk about tearing, what you can do to minimize it, and how to support your recovery.
Finally, we’ll cover the third stage of labor—when the placenta is delivered—and what you can expect.

4 Lessons

40m learning time

12.

Module 12: THE GOLDEN HOUR

The hard work is done, your baby is here—and now it’s time to soak it all in. In this final module, you’ll learn what the “golden hour” really is, why it’s so important and how to advocate for uninterrupted time with your baby.
This lesson will help you protect those first sacred moments, stay present, and start this new chapter feeling connected, calm, and completely in awe of what you just did. You deserve every second of it.

3 Lessons

25m learning time

By the end of this program,

you will have...

Conquered your fear in birth (instead of spending yet another moment cowering at the thought of having to push a baby out)
Harnessed your innate ability to birth your baby and figured out those "other" women who have incredible births don't have anything that you don't have
Discovered effective and natural ways to manage the pain of labor AND keep your labor progressing productively
Leveraged a mix of physical strategy and mindset work to get you through the toughest parts of your labor
Learned the ins and outs of labor and birth by becoming an expert in your body and hormone processes during labor that can start, progress, or stall your labor
"Pushed" past your fear of pushing by understanding the reality of it and gaining strategy that can make your birth as smooth as possible
Gained the confidence you need to make good decisions and choices for your baby before AND after birth

"

I DID IT! I birthed my 10 lbs baby naturally!! I remember thinking of you during contractions and thought to myself I really need to thank her. So thank you!!! I'm so glad I found you! Having the birth I wanted makes me want 4 more babies!!! It's so fun once you are through it and realize how incredible it all feels.

Jess P.

/ New Mama

"

bkMQZsUTSoK5oUT9Qzp4_B4496865-F520-4C1B-A69D-3A6036511D3B

I just wanted to say thank you for all you do! I was induced with my first baby last week at 38 weeks due to low amniotic fluid. I went into that induction knowing what to expect and what my different possibilities and options were because of you. I advocated to push on my side instead of my back. I pushed for about thirty minutes and then she was here! No tearing and no stitches. I have never felt so empowered and in control of what I was doing. I looked forward to each contraction as I pushed and knew it was bringing me one step closer to her. Fear was the last thing on my mind. Thank you for being a wealth of knowledge and support. This first time mama doesn't think it would have went so smoothly without learning from you.

Jaclyn M.

/ First Time mama with an induction

"

I just want to say thank you! YOU CHANGED EVERYTHING! I had my baby girl on the 8th and it was 100% the most MAGICAL experience of my life. I don't even have words to explain it and I literally cry every time I think about it. I feel so fortunate and strong. I will now be such an advocate for unmedicated birth. Society puts so much fear around it that it's truly sad. So again, thank you! You have always been uplifting, encouraging, and education. Keep on keepin' on because you are changing lives like mine every single day!

The Empowered Birth Academy

The Step-By-Step Roadmap To Your Most Unmedicated Birth

The Empowered Birth Academy is a self-paced online course that teaches you exactly how to prepare for a calm, confident, and in-control birth experience—on your terms.

THE DEETS:

HERE'S EVERYTHING YOU GET:

12 Labor & Birth Focused Modules: 12 modules with over 40 video lessons teaching you how to prepare for the birth of your dreams, show up and be the driver in your own story, and achieve your best birth.
The Empowered Birth Ebook: 10 chapter Ebook that will help guide you through the course and drive home important information that you'll want to take with you throughout your birth prep journey.
Free Future Updates: Updates and additions to the course will be automatically loaded to your A Life In Labor learning portal so that you never miss a beat.
Lifetime of the Program Access: Unlimited access to the program material for lifelong learning and reference. Watch, re-watch, and download as many times as you need.

BONUS: Postpartum: Life After Labor course– Prepare for the emotional, physical, and practical realities of postpartum so you feel supported and confident as you recover and care for your newborn.
BONUS: The Birth Partner Bootcamp mini course – Give your partner the guidance they need to be calm, confident, and actually helpful throughout labor, delivery, and beyond.
BONUS: The Back-Up Plan Mini Course – Hoping for an unmedicated birth but want to be prepared for anything? This mini course covers epidurals, cesareans, and other pain interventions so you can stay informed and empowered—no matter how your birth unfolds.

Get Instant Access To Everything Now

"Thank you SO much for your course, website and your instagram account. As a first time mom, I initially had low expectations for what my son’s birth might look like and planned to have no plan. After your course, I changed my mind and created a plan. Because of you, I knew what I wanted and what I didn’t want. More importantly, I felt informed about different possible scenarios and interventions to be able to make a decision if it became necessary. I felt completely prepared for whatever happened. So many people have told me that no one can truly prepare you for childbirth, but those people clearly didn’t take your class. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being the most incredible resource. I truly cannot wait to have another baby (someday) already. "

Kara G. - first time mom

HAVE WE MET YET?

If you're anything like me...

Deep down, you know your body was made for this.
But the thoughts creeping in at 2 a.m.? The fear, the doubts, the “what-ifs”? Those are real, too.

Here’s the truth: even the most instinctive process in the world—birth—can feel overwhelming without the right preparation.
And that’s where I come in.

I’m Heather, a labor nurse, mom of three, and your personal birth prep bestie. I created The Empowered Birth Academy to give you the calm, confidence, and clarity you need to feel like the absolute rockstar you already are.

This course isn’t about rigid plans or textbook answers.
It’s about helping you understand your options, trust your instincts, and know what to expect—so you can walk into your birth feeling ready.

Whether you’re dreaming of an unmedicated birth, planning a hospital delivery, or just want to feel more in control of your experience… this is your space to feel supported, seen, and seriously prepared.

Get Started

Your Birth, Your Way—With the Tools, Knowledge, and Support to Make It Happen

Birth doesn’t have to be something you fear—it can be something you look forward to.

Inside The Empowered Birth Academy, you’ll learn how to step into labor with confidence, calm, and real support.

Your body knows what to do—now it’s time to help your mind catch up.

The Empowered Birth Academy gives you the tools, trust, and guidance to prepare for a birth that feels right for you.

You’re not ‘too late,’ ‘too anxious,’ or ‘too inexperienced’ to have the birth experience you dream about.

Let’s walk through it together, one step at a time.

Pricing

Basic

297

one time

Exactly what you need to have your most empowered birth

The Empowered Birth Academy 12 module course
The Backup Plan Mini Course
The birth Partner Bootcamp
Postpartum: Life After Labor
Forever Access to the course and all future updates

Enroll Now

Premium

327

one time

Everything you're looking for in your journey to birth, postpartum, and breastfeeding

Everything in Basic Plus:
The Unmedicated Birth Playbook
Milkies Like You Mean It: Breastfeeding & Pumping Course
Pump Smart Course: Your Guide To Exclusive & Supplemental Pumping
Forever access to the courses & all future updates

Enroll Now

VIP Member

/month

Full Access to the entire A Life In Labor Course Library. Cancel any time.

The Empowered Birth Academy
Postpartum: Life After Labor
The Backup Plan Mini Course
The Birth Partner Bootcamp
The Birth Plan Accelerator Course
Milkies Like You Mean It: Breastfeeding & Pumping Course
Momming Like You Mean It: Mastering The Newborn Stage
Pump Smart: Your Guide To Exclusive & Supplemental Pumping
Members only content
Subscription access. Cancel anytime.

Enroll Now

You are fully protected by our 100% Satisfaction-Guarantee.

I know you're going to love the course. But if for any reason that it's just not for you, don't worry. I offer a 100% money back guarantee for 14 days after purchase. If you start watching the modules and notice that it's not what you thought, just reach out for a refund- no questions asked.

The Proof Is in Their Stories—Empowered Birth Is Possible.

“My partner said he felt prepared for the first time—and so did I.”

We took a hospital class with our first baby and left feeling more confused than anything. This time, we did Heather’s course together, and WOW. My husband felt confident supporting me, and I felt way more in control of my birth experience. We both felt so much more connected and prepared for what was coming. Best decision ever.

— Maddie and Chris H., parents of two

“I didn’t think birth could feel empowering… but it did.”

I always assumed birth would be painful, scary, and something I just had to survive. This course completely shifted my mindset. I learned how to work with my body, advocate for myself, and trust the process. Labor was still intense, but I was ready. And now I look back at my birth with so much pride instead of fear. That’s priceless.

— Sierra D., first-time mom

"I just wanted to say how life-changing The Empowered Birth Academy was for me"

I went into my first birth totally overwhelmed, but after going through Heather’s course, I felt calm and capable. I had tools to cope, I understood what was happening in my body, and I actually felt excited for labor. And the best part? My partner felt empowered too. He knew how to support me every step of the way. We both left the hospital saying, ‘That was amazing.’ Thank you, Heather!"

— Jen, first-time mom

Because You Need More Than Just a Tour of the Hospital and a Handout

Let’s be real: most birth classes cover the what—but they totally skip the how.

They’ll tell you what happens during labor…
But not how to cope when contractions hit hard at 2 a.m. and you’re questioning everything.

They’ll show you a birth video from 1997…
But won’t teach you how to move, breathe, and actually feel in control.

They’ll give you a printout of hospital policies…
But leave you wondering how to actually advocate for your preferences without feeling awkward.

The Empowered Birth Academy is different because it’s built for you.

The first-time mom who wants to feel prepared—not panicked.
The second-time mom who wants a totally different experience this time.
The mama who wants options, not pressure.
The woman who wants her partner to actually feel helpful during labor
And the birth nerd who just wants all the knowledge.

This course goes deeper.
It teaches you how to:

Stay grounded, calm, and focused—even when things don’t go as planned.
Understand every stage of labor so you know what’s happening and what to do.
Ask the right questions. Set boundaries. Advocate with confidence.
Embrace your body’s power and trust the process—without fear.

It’s not about scripting the “perfect” birth.
It’s about preparing you for an empowered one—whatever that looks like for you.

Start Now

You’ve probably heard some version of this before:
“Birth is natural. Your body knows what to do.”

And while that’s true, it’s also incredibly unhelpful when you're lying awake at night wondering:

What if I don’t know when labor actually starts?
How bad is it really going to hurt?
Will I even be able to speak up for myself when I’m in the middle of it?
What if my plan changes and I have no idea what to do next?

Let’s be honest—most hospital birth classes skim the surface. They give you the logistics, the policies, maybe a tour of the building... but they don’t prepare you for what birth actually feels like.

They don’t teach you how to cope through a contraction.
They don’t walk you through what really happens in each stage of labor.
And they definitely don’t show you how to advocate for yourself without feeling like a “difficult patient.”

That’s where The Empowered Birth Academy comes in.

This course isn’t just about education—it’s about transformation.
It gives you the tools, strategies, and mindset to approach your birth with calm, clarity, and control—whether you’re planning an unmedicated birth, open to an epidural, or just want to feel like you’re not totally winging it.

Because birth should never feel like something that happens to you.
With the right preparation, it can be something you move through with strength, trust, and even joy.

still thinking about it?

TRY THE EMPOWERED BIRTH ACADEMY

RISK FREE FOR 14 DAYS

Give it a shot if you're motivated by any of the following:

Not wanting to fall into the trap of blind compliance without fully understanding what's going on with you and your precious baby during one of the most important days of their life.
You know the benefits that come with unmedicated birth but you're nervous about how you'll be able to do itYou're willing to put in the work to achieve the birth that you've been dreaming about since the moment you saw those two pink lines.
You've tried to have a happy, healthy birth but ended up with birth trauma that's tough to shake
You're excited to have a beautiful, euphoric birth the way your body was built to accomplish it
You're ready to take learn about birth and what you can do to make yours the best it can be.

TRY IT RISK FREE

I personally cannot wait to guide you through your pregnancy & birth journey

After working in labor and delivery as a labor nurse for 7 years and having two babies of my own, it's become my passion to make sure as many women as possible discover their power in birth and find out just how capable they are to walk out of their birth feeling like an absolute rock star!

If you're anything like me and you value your birth journey and know that you deserve an experience to remember, not a birth that you just simply "get through", you're going to love this course. You're going to be inspired by how truly wise your body is when you discover it's innate ability to have the birth you desire.

I know that you're capable and fully ready to embark on this journey towards your most empowered birth. I believe in you. Do you?

xo - Heather Knezic

Start Now

Frequently asked questions

I'm not sure I want an unmedicated birth. Is this course still for me?

Girl, YES!

I'm not here to tell you what kind of birth that yo should have or want. I'm here to guide you to the birth that YOU desire.

This course goes over all of the unmedicated options so that you get to decide when you accept interventions and be confident knowing that you are capable to do incredible things, even if you plan on getting help in the process.

In the Plan B Bonus, you'll have all the information you need to make choices about pain medications in labor.

I have a low pain tolerance. I'm not sure I have what it takes.

Let me stop you right there.

An empowered birth is not about pain tolerance. It's about preparation.

Labor and birth is so much more than just pain. You'll have to make good choices for yourself in labor regardless of whether or not you're experiencing the pain.

You have everything you need to ROCK your birth. You just need to learn how.

I have a high pain tolerance. Shouldn't that be enough?

The problem with this mindset is that you are thinking of birth=pain. Like they are one in the same. But birth is so much MORE than just having pain. Labor and birth is complex, emotional, and yes...sometimes one of the most painful experiences you've had in your life. But birth does not equal pain and pain does not equal suffering. Let me show you what I mean inside the course.

This is my first baby. Should I just go with the flow?

A first time mom needs this course more than ever!

We don't want to wait and see if we end up with birth trauma before we start preventing it.

Instead, give yourself the power of knowledge by getting prepared for the one thing you've never done before...before you do it.

This isn't my first rodeo. Will I learn anything I don't already know?

YES! I guarantee it.

You're going to be amazed at what you didn't know about the labor and birth process even though you've been through it a time or two.

You're not only going to learn what to expect (because you already know about that) but you're going to learn how to manage the things that happen during your birth.

Labor is such a mystery. Does it even matter how much I prepare?

MYTH!

Labor is not as much of a mystery as our culture wants you to believe. If that were the case, my job as a labor and delivery nurse would be a whole lot harder.

The truth is that labor is generally predictable and a trustworthy process.

The key is learning what's expected and normal in labor and allowing it to unfold.

Yes, there might be the occasional left turn or surprise but with the right education and preparation, you'll know how to navigate those changes.

How is this course different from other birth courses out there?

This is the only course of it's kind where I lay out a roadmap for you to follow from early labor all the way through pushing your baby out.

Not only is it a comprehensive birth course that teaches you the ins and outs of labor and birth, but it leads you down a path of knowing exactly what you can do and when in order to effectively manage your labor pain and progression from start to finish, never giving into fear or losing confidence that you were innately designed to do this.

In this course you learn what to expect, what your options are, and how to start making good choices for yourself and your baby before they are even born.

I'm not sure I have the budget for this kind of course right now...

I fully understand having a budget...especially when you're growing your family and anticipating a new baby!

But if there is ever a time to invest in yourself, it's now. You'll never get another chance to birth this baby again. There is no re-do for birth.

Just like we plan any other big life-changing event in our life, we deserve to be able to plan and prepare for one of the biggest and most challenging days of our life so far.

Even as a labor and delivery nurse myself, I still invested in birth classes with my husband to prepare our minds for what was to come to give us our best chance at a happy, healthy birth.

When do I get access to courses materials?

Immediately! As soon as you enroll, you'll be emailed instructions on how to login and get started right away.

What if the course isn't for me?

If you enroll in the course and then decide within 14 days that it's just not going to benefit you in your labor and birth, go ahead and email me at heather@alifeinlabor.com before the refund period is over to get your full refund no questions asked.

What if I have questions after I enroll?

Always feel free to shoot a question over via email at heather@alifeinlabor.com or DM on IG @alifeinlabor. I will do my best to answer your question without giving medical advice. You can also look into booking a Birth Plan Consult call with me to get 1:1 support from me via Zoom.