I believe pregnancy and birth are as wondrous and life-changing as they are normal. Natural (unmedicated) and normal (vaginal) childbirth is the safest way to bring a baby into the world, and for many women it is also the most satisfying. Most women who are educated about birth, supported by their husband and patiently nurtured during labor can experience this joyous rite of passage.We cannot improve nature’s design and, in fact, we may do harm when we intervene in the course of normal events. Identifying the instances when pregnancy or birth is not normal and when medical intervention is needed is fundamental to good midwifery practice.
I believe arents are the stewards of their children. It is their responsibility to educate themselves about pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting. They have the right to receive informed choice about the care they and their newborn receive. I believe parents have the ability, the right and the responsibility to make decisions about their care and assemble a qualified birth team who will respect their authority while practicing within the standards of safe care.
Breastfeeding is far superior to artificial feeding. Not only does it provide your baby with nature’s perfect nutrition, it protects your baby with antibodies, encourages good mouth and dental development, enhances your mothering through hormones, and is cheaper and safer than any artificial substitute. Almost any woman can successfully nurse her baby when she is given accurate information, timely counseling, and family support. Rarely, there are circumstances which prevent a nursing relationship. I have the utmost respect for the women, who in spite of earnest efforts at breastfeeding, resort to partial or complete artificial or formula feeding."The first intervention in natural childbirth is
the one that a healthy woman does herself
when she walks out the front door
of her own home in labor.”
--Michael Rosenthal, OB/GYN