Write for us · Story guidelines
Story guidelines
How the process works, how we protect your story and your privacy, and what you can expect from us every step of the way. There is no pressure and no rush – you are in control of this from start to finish.
Why we publish personal stories
The women who find Fear Free Childbirth are often in the middle of something frightening and lonely. They've been told they'll be fine, that everyone feels this way, that it will pass. They don't yet know that what they're experiencing has a name, that other women have been through it, and that things can change.
Your story can be the one that reaches someone at exactly that moment.
We publish stories about tokophobia, pregnancy anxiety, birth fear, birth trauma, and reproductive trauma – what it felt like, what helped, what you wish you'd known. We are not looking for polished writing or a tidy ending. We are looking for honesty.
What we ask of you
You don't need to be a writer. Some contributors write a full draft; others send us notes, voice memos or bullet points and we help shape it into a piece together. Tell us what works for you.
You stay in control of your story throughout. Nothing goes live without your written approval. If at any point you want to change something, pause, or pull out entirely, you can – before or after publication.
You decide how much to share. You can use your full name, a first name only, or a pseudonym. You can be as specific or as general as you like about the details of your experience.
What to include
There is no fixed formula, but the stories that resonate most tend to cover:
- What your fear or anxiety felt like – the reality of it, not a summary of it
- When you first realised something was wrong, or that what you were feeling had a name
- What you tried, what helped and what didn't
- Where you are now – this doesn't need to be a full recovery story; even "I'm still in it but I understand it better" is a valid and valuable place to be
- What you wish someone had said to you when you were at your worst
Length is flexible – most stories run between 600 and 1,200 words, but we'll work with what your story needs.
Privacy and anonymity
We take this seriously.
- You choose your name: full name, first name only, or a pseudonym
- Any identifying details – location, workplace, names of partners, family members or healthcare providers – can be changed or removed at your request
- Photographs are entirely optional. If you share one, it will only be used with your explicit approval and only in your story, never in social promotion without separate permission
- If you share details about other people (a partner, a healthcare provider, a previous loss), we will handle those with care and discuss with you before including them
The process
1. Get in touch. Email hello@fearfreechildbirth.com with a few lines about your experience and whether you'd like to write it yourself or work with us to shape it. There is no pitch to perfect – just tell us roughly what you've been through.
2. We'll have a conversation. We'll reply within 5 working days. If your story feels like a fit for FFC, we'll have a short email exchange (or a call if you prefer) to understand your experience and talk through how you'd like to approach it.
3. Write or talk – your choice. Write a draft in your own words, or send us notes and we'll draft something for you to review. Either way, we shape it together.
4. You review everything. You'll see the piece before anyone else does. We'll go back and forth until you're completely happy with it – not just comfortable, happy.
5. Publication. We'll let you know when it goes live and send you the link. You're welcome to share it – but there's no obligation to. Some contributors share widely; others prefer it to exist quietly. Both are fine.
6. After publication. You can ask us to update or remove your story at any time, for any reason. We will act on removal requests promptly.
What we won't do
- Publish your story without your written approval
- Use your photograph without separate permission for each use
- Sensationalise your experience or use it for shock value
- Include details you've asked us to remove
- Contact you repeatedly if you decide not to proceed
A note on difficult content
Some stories involve pregnancy loss, birth trauma, experiences with healthcare providers, or decisions that weren't straightforward. We are experienced in handling all of these with care. If your story touches on any of these areas, please mention it when you first get in touch so we can make sure we approach it appropriately.
Questions
Email us at hello@fearfreechildbirth.com – we read everything and will always reply.
Fear Free Childbirth is published by Blossoming Limited. Founded by Alexia Leachman.