Gentle Birth

If we hope to create a non-violent world where respect and kindness replace fear and hatred, we must begin with how we treat each other at the beginning of life. For that is where our deepest patterns are set. From these roots grow fear and alienation, or love and trust. ~Suzanne Arms

Moms and babies deserve a birth that respects their intuitive connection, instincts and knowledge. Why choose to give birth in an environment or with a provider who doesn't respect your choices? Why go into your birth space expecting a battle?

Interventions can be life saving, but can also be overused without medical indication. It's important to seek out a provider who is a good match for your family's goals.

Scars from birth can last for decades whether they are external from cesareans and unnecessary episiotomies or internal emotional scars from a traumatic experience. Your birth experience does matter.

I often think about what birth must be like for babies. To be born to the outside, hearing sounds unmuffled for the first time, seeing light unfiltered for the first time and being touched for the very first time. How would you want to be greeted in your first few moments in the outside world? It's important to touch them with respect and gentleness.

The first several hours after birth are extremely important to initiation of breastfeeding and bonding. It is vital that babies spend that time skin to skin with their mother. Most, if not all, of the newborn exam can be performed on the mother's chest or near the mother as well as any other newborn procedures.

Sometimes towards the end of pregnancy, families are surprised to find out what their provider's protocols are surrounding birth and feel trapped in a situation that they did not want. It's never too late to find the right provider for you. You are a consumer, it is always your right to change providers if you so desire.

  • Is your hospital or birth center baby friendly?
    • ~ Emily Heldt