Pregnancy, birth, and parenthood are all parts of an amazing journey! These experiences present all of us with incredible opportunities to learn and grow. When we open ourselves fully to these experiences, even when they take us to places that are not so comfortable or certain, we may be transformed and amazed by who we really are and what we are capable of! When we learn to “birth in-awareness,” we learn how to draw on skills that allow us to have the best birth possible, no matter what challenges may arise. There are no “wrong” or “right” ways to give birth; there are simply our own experiences and unique ways of becoming parents. The role of Amazing Mama Birth Services is to provide educational and practical information to parents, while also supporting them in their mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation as they walk their own individual paths towards birth.

Amazing Mama Birth Services is based on the principles of the Birthing From Within® approach. These are as follows:

• Childbirth is a profound rite of passage, not a medical event (even when medical care is part of the birth).

• The essence of childbirth preparation is self-discovery, not assimilating obstetric information.

• The teacher (mentor) is “midwife” to the parents’ discovery process, not the expert from whom wisdom flows.

• Childbirth preparation is a continually evolving process (for parents and teachers), 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, cesarean, 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 and birth 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.

To learn more about Birthing From Within® please visit:
www.birthingfromwithin.com