mothersjourney childbirth support services

•   Childbirth is a profound rite of passage, not a medical event (even when medical care is part of the birth)

•  The essence of childbirth preparation is self-discovery, not assimilating obstetric information.

• The teacher (mentor) is "midwife" to the parents' discovery process, not the expert from whom wisdom flows.

• Childbirth preparation is a continually evolving process (for parents and teachers), not a static structure of techniques and knowledge.

•  Parents' individual needs and differences determine class content.

• Active, creative self-expression is critical to childbirth preparation.

• The purpose of childbirth preparation is to prepare mothers to give birth-in-awareness, not to achieve a specific birth outcome.

• Pregnancy and birth outcome are influenced by a variety of factors, but can't be controlled by planning.

• In order to help parents mobilize their coping resources, it is critical for childbirth classes to acknowledge that unexpected, unwelcome events may happen during labour.

• Parents deserve support for any birth option which might be right for them (whether it be drugs, caesarean birth, home birth, or bottle-feeding).

• Pain is an inevitable part of childbirth, yet much can be done to ease suffering.

• Pain-coping practices work best when integrated into daily life, rather than "dusted off" for labour.

• Fathers and birth partners help best as birth guardians or loving partners, not as coaches; they also need support.

• For parents pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is a time of continuous learning and adjustment; holistic support and education should be available throughout that period.

• Childbirth preparation is also parent preparation.

Learn more about

BIRTHING FROM WITHIN® 

here.