What She Does: I teach six-week Lamaze courses, and have been doing that for 44 years. I’m not promising a painless childbirth, or one that is easy.

Pregnancy Today: I have women come to my classes and say, “I’m so glad that I’m here. It’s really the first time I’ve had to think about my pregnancy.” I say, “It’s your sixth, seventh month, and you haven’t had time to think about it?”

Keeping Fit: I go swimming. I’ve swum since I was five years old.

Comfort and Style: I do not wear high heels, but I don’t wear sneakers, either. And I’m not a businesswoman, so I don’t look like one. I prefer skirts.

Her Trademark Tresses: I gave up straightening my hair 10 years ago. Now people recognize me from the back because of my little white ponytail.

Food: I don’t eat junk food or go overboard in any direction. I eat fresh strawberries or raspberries every day.

Her Own Childbirth: I was 40 when I gave birth. We just kept trying. I had three miscarriages, and finally I managed it. It was very exciting.

Her Apartment: It’s not just furniture; it’s a style that I happen to like. I love to be surrounded by books and music, and I have orchids that flower again and again.

The Bottom Line: Many women know very little about their bodies and forget to trust them. That’s what I preach.