Our Childbirth Education Philosophy

Our childbirth classes are based on the philosophy of Birthing From Within®.

We believe that:

• 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 obstetrical information.
• The mentor is “midwife” to the parents discovery process, not the expert from whom wisdom flows.
• Parents’ individual needs and differences determine class content.
• The purpose of childbirth preparation is to prepare mothers to give birth-in-awareness, not to achieve a specific birth outcome.
• Fathers help best as birth guardians or loving partners, not as coaches; they also need support.
• Pain is an inevitable part of childbirth, yet much can be done to ease suffering.

Source: Birthing From Within Cookbook for Gourmet Childbirth Classes, Pam England, 2002.