The objectives were to investigate what advice women who have given birth would give to parents-to-be using an open question analysed by content analysis. This was a populationbased study including women giving birth in Sweden. Data were collected by means of anonymous postal questionnaires and information was provided by 322 women. The advice was predominantly directed towards mothers-to-be. Six categories were identified: preparation, optimize preparation before birth; support, strengthen confidence In your own capacity; confidence, encouragement to rely on the staff and destiny; control, understand the situation; live in the present, do not worry in advance; parenthood, cooperation with partner is important. A theme for all advice was formulated as 'stand up for yourself'. Key conclusions and implications for practice were that through their advice, the women wanted to strengthen mothers-to-be to clearly voice their needs during labour. Health professionals can Improve how they support women during pregnancy and birth so that women's ability to express their needs is strengthened.