BIRTHING FROM WITHIN® is an ever-evolving philosophy and practice first presented in the book of the same name by Pam England. The guiding principles are expressed in 15 statements:
Childbirth preparation is a continually evolving process (for parents and Mentors), not a static structure of techniques and knowledge.
Parents' individual needs and differences determine class content.
Active, creative self-expression is critical to childbirth preparation.
The purpose of childbirth preparation is to prepare mothers to give birth-in-awareness, not to achieve a specific birth outcome.
Pregnancy and birth outcome are influenced by a variety of factors, but can't be controlled by planning.
In order to help parents mobilize their coping resources, it is critical for childbirth classes to acknowledge that unexpected, unwelcome events may happen during labor.
Parents deserve support for any birth option which might be right for them (whether it be drugs, technology, home birth, or bottle-feeding).
Pain is an inevitable part of childbirth, yet much can be done to ease suffering.
Pain coping practices work best when integrated into daily life, rather than "dusted off" for labor.
Fathers/Partners help best as birth guardians or loving partners, not as coaches; they also need support.
For parents, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is a time of continuous learning and adjustment; holistic support and education should be available throughout that period.
Childbirth preparation is also parent preparation.
These principles are a fundamental part of how Heart of Birth classes are taught. I believe that every mother-to-be, and those who love and support her, have their own Heart Stories that they bring to birth. Each person has their own beliefs, values, experiences, hopes and fears that help shape how they will approach the birth process. By learning to explore and recognize your Story, it helps you become ready for the experience of giving birth, and becoming a parent.
We approach childbirth preperation from a completely unique and fresh perspective: that preparing to give birth is not an isolated life event; that the experience of birth is one forever intertwined with your whole life; and that what each person needs to know to journey through birth and become a parent, is as individial as the people themselves. As a Mentor, my job is not to lecture you, fill your head with facts and figures, and teach you how to breathe; my role is to gently guide you into an understanding of your own expectations, your assumptions, your strengths, and bring you to the point of being ready to birth in awareness.
