Statement of Beliefs

Birth Works^® believes that:

• Women’s bodies were designed to give birth. The knowledge about how to give birth already exists inside every woman.

• A woman will labor the best wherever she feels the safest and most secure. For some that may be a hospital – for others, it may mean at home or in an alternative birthing center.

• The nutrition of a pregnant woman has a great  impact on the health of her baby from its life as a fetus through adulthood.

• Breakmilk provides optimum nutrition for the newborn baby.

• Birth is one of the greatest challenges life has to offer. It provides an opportunity for personal growth for all involved.

• While a cesarean section may be necessary at times, the current rate is too high.

• In most cases, VBAC is a safer alternative to routine, repeat cesarean.

• Birth Works^® is a process, not a method.

• Birth Works^® seeks to facilitate a woman’s or a couple’s personal process in childbearing, not to impart a preconceived method of labor and birth. There is not one right way to give birth. Each birth is unique.

• A woman in labor deserves an environment in which her privacy, autonomy, and emotional security are protected, and her mobility is encouraged.

• Expectant parents should have access to information they need about obstetrical procedures. They should participate in decisions regarding the judicious use of obstetrical medications and procedures.

• The emotions of a birthing woman have profound effects on the birth outcome. Women must be allowed to express all their birth-related feelings.

• The practice of Human Values (truth, right action, peace, love and nonviolence) builds character and instills confidence in birth and life.

• Love is the foundation upon which positive birth begins and that one must have love of oneself before being able to love others.