My Philosophy

"You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of shore." ~Christopher Columbus

Midwives are trained in the art of normal and natural birth.  Birth is a natural process that is shrouded in mystery.  No two births unfold exactly the same way yet the components of birth are the same:  Contractions are needed to dilate.   Dilation is needed to let the baby pass through and be born.  Women’s bodies were made for birth because Nature does not have a design for failure.  The more we interfere with birth and the process of labor, the more we interrupt nature and its design.  There is function of the pain in labor.  Hormones are at work.  If you disrupt the hormones, you could create a dysfunctional labor.  Breastfeeding and bonding could be hindered.  Midwives understand this delicate balance and we know that if we let mom labor in her own way that she will work with her body and find her natural rhythm.

Birth is made to work in case no one is there.  (What does that mean?!)  Simply, before there were midwives and before birth was managed by doctors in big hospitals, women birthed their babies by themselves.  They picked a quiet place, away from predators and instinctively had their babies.  Birth was a primal act and the design of birth has not changed since the beginning of time.  It certainly hasn’t changed in the 150 years since technology has been introduced into the birthing process.  The instinct of birth is engrained in your DNA.  A first time mom does not learn how birth through books.  She experiences it from deep within her.  Somehow she knows how to move her body, to rock her hips with contractions.  When the birth of her baby is near her senses are awakened.  Her awareness peaks and she notices everything around her.  Instinctively, she wants the lights dim.  She wants the room quiet.  If we can keep birth natural and undisturbed, outcomes are better.  Babies and moms are happier and healthier.  (I mean, how did mothers birth their babies long ago if they weren’t laying flat on their backs, legs in stirrups, being told to hold their breath for 10 seconds and PUSH!!! during each contraction?!)

Autonomy is a central theme in the home birthing community.  Autonomy means “personal independence.”  In the homebirth setting, you are able to walk around, shower or bathe.  You are not confined to a bed and we encourage you to squat, lie on your side, rock your hips or to be in any position that helps you.  You movements will not be restricted due to wires, monitors or IV lines.  You will be encouraged to eat and drink during your labor because this will keep you and your baby hydrated and nourished.    Your labor will not be micromanaged, yet we will make sure you feel encouraged and safe in your birth setting.

Because midwives are trained in the art of observing without “watching,” we are able to know where your dilation is just by listening to you, watching you move, looking at your facial expressions, timing contractions.  Your midwife is tuned in to you because she has spent a lot of time getting to know you during prenatal appointments. It is unfair to paint every laboring woman with the same brush…which is why we do not get excited when labor isn’t following a certain pattern.  You will birth YOUR way.  We understand that emotions and hormones play an important role.  We will always make sure that the baby is happy so that you are able to birth freely.  You are in charge of your birth!
Birthing in the privacy of your own home is for women who believe in themselves.  It is for women who trust their bodies and know that birth is a natural process that has been happening for thousands of years.  (In the time it has taken you to read this page, over 2500 babies have been born around the world!)  It is not the midwife’s role to convince you that homebirth is the right choice.  Homebirth is not for everyone.  You need to birth wherever you feel most comfortable and sometimes that choice is a hospital.  As long as you have all of the information, you can make an informed choice.

Homebirth works best when everyone involved is on board.  Those who may hinder the birth by speaking negatively of your choices or those who do not respect your birth space should be asked to come after the baby is born.  We are always happy to discuss homebirth with members of the family or close friends and can suggest several websites, DVDs and books for reference.  Of course, it is always best when everyone does their own research.  Support from your partner and birthing team is essential.