Step 5: Human Values and the 3 H’s

Human Values form the foundation of the BirthWorks International organization and its certification programs.  Our belief that Birth is Instinctive is the base of all our programs.  Practicing these values increases confidence and decreases fear in birth.

In the Postpartum Period, the practice of human values allows us to provide our clients with the type of support they deserve as they navigate life with a new baby or babies. When we practice human values during the postpartum period we facilitate a safe space for learning, healing and growing. In this safe space, families are able to explore their parenting options, bond, and build confidence in their new roles. The practice of human values also ensures a high standard of care for the new babies.

You will also be faced with many decisions during your care of families in the Postpartum Period.  Using the technique of the “3 H’s” of Head, Heart, and Hands will always lead you in the right direction in decision making.

In this step, we ask you to become very familiar with the Human Values and the “3 H’s” listed and realize ways in which they could be applied during your postpartum care. It is essential that you have a full understanding of these values and that you begin to practice them in your own life so that when you are with clients, the values are simply a part of you.

Click the link below for the text on Human Values and the “3 H’s” of Head, Heart, Hands.

Human Values and the Three H’s

Application & Understanding

1. Define the three H’s and provide a short explanation of how they work together. Also give an example of how they would be helpful to you in your postpartum doula work.
2. Human values form the basis of character development. It is through the practice of human values that society can be raised to a higher level of morality.  The end result of character development is self-confidence. A postpartum doula who can exemplify human values in her work with women and their families will be a very special person, for she will know how to speak from her heart.  Describe in a short scenario, how each of the following values could be expressed in your work as a Postpartum Doula.

• Patience
• Respect
• Compassion and Love
• Inner strength
• Integrity
• Love
• Resilience
• Integrity
• Equanimity
• Humility
• Flexibility
• Caring
• Endurance

( 500-700 words)