I think it can be easier to let go and allow your body to get on with the job better with a professional support person, knowing there is someone in control of external factors to lean on. Worrying about yourself or your partner or relying on your own self-encouragement may not be an ideal situation, because we all have a *crisis of confidence* at some stage where we wonder if we really can do this. I know what you mean in what you said LOTL, and wanted to add this bit because relying on yourself in labour can be extremely demanding. It can make it so much easier to be able to feel the stable rock of someone else, have someone else argue your birth preference for you - you need to feel held, encouraged and supported! And yes, be your best support person before the birth by educating yourself in the best ways possible. But allow youself to let go and rely on others to help you get through the tough spots. You can be amazed at the difference it makes