PHILOSOPHY
I believe the birth of a mother is as significant as the birth of her baby.  Birth is a rite of passage that brings about a new part of a woman’s identity – mother.  Our society bombards us with expectations of who we should be as women, wives and mothers.  These are most keenly felt when you’re pregnant for the first time.  Tied up in the discussions of birth stories and pain relief options are preconceptions of the ‘right’ way to birth a baby.  My philosophy is to that there is no ‘right’ way to birth.  Therefore my role as a birth mentor is to expand expectations in order to honor the birth of the mother as much as the birth of her baby.

I ascribe to the following beliefs:  

• 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.
• The 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 mentors), 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 labor.
• Parents deserve support for any birth option that might be right for them (whether it be drugs, technology, home birth, or bottle-feeding).
• Pain is an inevitable part of childbirth, yet much can done to ease suffering.
• Pain coping techniques work best when integrated into daily life, rather than “dusted off” for labor.
• Fathers and 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.