Association for Wise Childbearing

Our Philosophies  

 

Birth is a normal function of the body which, like other

ordinary processes of the body, seldom necessitates the use

of instruments, machines, medications, or drugs.

 

Both women’s and babies’ bodies were unmistakably designed

for childbirth, and to make it through the process without harm.

 

In spite of the fears that have long woven their way into our culture’s

way of viewing childbirth, a woman can still give birth with a faith and

trust in the design of her body, in her own inner knowledge, and in

herself.

 

A woman is already an expert at having a baby, whether she knows it or

not. She does not need to be “delivered” of her baby by someone else

under normal circumstances. She is capable of surmounting the challenges

of labor and birth.

 

Birth is an experience of great significance and consequence for the

baby, woman, father and the other members of the family. That which

results from the experience endures for a long time. The well-being of

the woman, the child, and the father; the very family unit, is of significant

consequence to our civilization. We should approach birth with

nothing less than reverence.

 

When women are in control of their births, and when they succeed in

their wishes and take on obstacles that confront them, they draw from

this momentous life experience emotional strength and a great sense of

achievement that is taken with them into innumerable aspects of their

future lives.

 

All of the spiritual, emotional, psychological, and sexual elements of

labor and birth are profoundly important. The atmosphere in which

a woman gives birth is even more crucial than the proportion of her

pelvis or the size of the baby.

 

Emotional healing is important for those who have had a prior difficult

and wounding birth and for those who have suffered previous sexual

abuse as these, if left unresolved, can negatively influence future birth

experiences.

 

There are many different ways and places in which to birth. It is a woman’s

right and responsibility to make the choices necessary to birth in

the best possible ways for her baby and herself. These decisions are not

for her caregivers to make. They belong to her, and it is up to her to

make them wisely.

 

Not all choices are created equal. There is almost always one choice

that is superior to another. Also what may be right for one woman may

not be right for another. If a woman doesn’t know her options she really

doesn’t have any.

 

Interventions would wisely be saved for the exceptional circumstance

when nature needs a little help, and not as routine management for every

birth and every mother and baby. The process of birth can be, and often

is, upset or even halted by physical interventions and disturbances.

 

The birthing family is not only the consumer, but is the employer of

those who will serve them at their births. If they do not like what a

particular caregiver or birth place is offering, they would be wise to

seriously consider hiring a different caregiver and/or place of birth.

 

The psychological nature of the process of birth makes this a vulnerable

time for the mother. It is also an emotionally vulnerable time for

the father. Both may be more willing to accept the decisions of others,

particularly those in authority, at this time. It is therefore essential to

ensure beforehand, that all of the members of their birth team share the

same philosophies and desires for this birth.

 

When someone plans to attend a woman in labor, they must be sure

that they have resolved any “hang-ups” within themselves. A woman

in labor can easily pick up on, and be affected by the fear and the psychological

issues of members of her team.

 

Those who attend birth have the opportunity to recognize the sacred

nature of the event and act with reverence and respect.

 

The woman is in charge of deciding who will be at her birth, and she

has the right to not invite or to dismiss anyone.

 

The support of a caring doula can be of immeasurable assistance to the

mother, father, and other members of the birth team.

 

Good nutrition is fundamental to a healthy pregnancy and birth. It can

have a profound impact on the health of the baby and the kind of birth

the woman and baby will have. Restrictions on healthy food can be

seriously harmful to both and the outcome of the birth.