BirthWorks' Philosophy
Statement of Beliefs
BirthWorks is a process, not a method. BirthWorks seeks to facilitate each person's childbearing process, not to impart a preconceived method of labor and birth.
- Women’s bodies are designed to give birth, and the knowledge of how to give birth exists in every woman. Birth is instinctive and does not need to be taught. Women can have more trust and faith in their body knowledge.
- Birth is a deeply spiritual and joyful experience that impacts one’s entire life.
- A woman’s beliefs influence her birth. Exploring beliefs heightens self-awareness, serving as a catalyst for positive change.
- The nutrition of a pregnant woman greatly impacts the baby’s health, from its life as a fetus through adulthood, and breastmilk provides the optimum nutrition for a newborn and growing baby.
- A woman labors best in the place they feel safest and most secure. For some, that may be a hospital; for others, it may mean at home or in a birth center.
- Birthing a baby and parenting a child requires mind, body, and spirit integration. The ability to love is essential for the health of the body, peace of mind, and joy of the spirit.
- Birth is one of life’s greatest challenges, so provides an opportunity for personal transformation and growth.
- When a woman in labor moves her pelvis into optimal gravity-friendly positions, her baby can move through the pelvis more easily.
- While a cesarean section can be necessary at times, the current rate is too high. In most cases, VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) is a safer alternative to routine repeat cesarean.
- There is not one right way to give birth; each birth is unique.
- The practice of Human Values builds character and instills confidence in birth and life.
- A woman in labor, at birth, and postpartum deserves an environment in which mobility is encouraged and where privacy, autonomy, and emotional security are protected.
- Vaginal birth provides optimal seeding of the baby’s microbiome that strengthens their immune system for life.
- Mother-baby skin-to-skin contact with zero separation is a safe place from the moment of birth. Evidence shows staying with the mother optimizes the baby’s brain and nervous system development.
- Expectant parents should have access to the information they need about obstetrical and newborn procedures. They have the right to participate in decisions regarding the judicious use of interventions and medications for mothers and babies— before, during, and after birth.
- The emotions of a birthing woman have profound effects on the birth process and transition to motherhood. Women must be allowed to express all their feelings.
- All human beings deserve to be treated with respect, regardless of age, color, disability status, education, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, marital status, military status (or protected veteran status), national origin (ancestry), neurodiversity, sex, sexual orientation or identity, size, race, spiritual beliefs, race or religion (creed). We welcome all.
- Love is the foundation upon which positive birthing begins, and one must love oneself before being able to love others. Babies deserve to be met with the language of love.
Inspiration in Support of BirthWorks
People often say they are drawn to our programs and workshops because they love our Philosophy. We believe birth is a holistic experience so human values matter. Birth is a transformative time - a bigger perspective changes everything.
About The Book
About The Book
Experience Cathy’s Birthing in the Spirit wisdom:
- Inspired BWI Philosophy in more depth
- Connection to women birthing across cultures and time
- Understand the transforming power of birth
- Be deeply touched and ready to embrace positive changes
What we have learned at BirthWorks
Our holistic approach to birth aligns with evidence-based practices for pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and the ideal mother-baby support and care. Knowing this, mothers’ well-being should be the priority, and the babies nearest their parents’ hearts are the luckiest ones! Each baby deserves that.
