BirthWorks International

Our Mission

BirthWorks embodies the philosophy of developing a woman's self-confidence, trust, and faith in her innate ability to give birth. It is our mission to train childbirth educators and doulas who in turn provide evidence-based, current information to birthing families through a unique experiential approach that is based on human values. BirthWorks seeks working relationships with other childbirth related organizations, striving together to help birthing families make more informed and safe choices for birth.

Our Philosophy

• Women's bodies are designed to give birth. This knowledge already exists inside every woman.
• A woman will labor the best where ever she feels the safest and most secure. For some that may be a hospital. For others it may mean at home or in an alternative birthing center.
• The nutrition of a pregnant woman has a great impact on the health of her baby from its life as a fetus through adulthood.
• Birthing a baby requires integration of the mind, body, and spirit.
• Breastmilk provides optimum nutrition for the newborn baby.
• Birth is one of the greatest challenges life has to offer.
• While a cesarean section may be necessary at times, the current rate is too high.
• In most cases vaginal birth after cesarean is a safer alternative to routine repeat cesareans.
• BirthWorks is a process, not a method.
• BirthWorks seeks to facilitate a woman's or a couple's personal process in childbearing, and not to impart a preconceived method of labor and birth. Each birth is unique.
• A woman in labor deserves an environment in which her privacy, autonomy and emotional security is protected, and her mobility is encouraged.
• Expectant parents should participate in decisions regarding the judicious use of obstetrical medications and procedures.
• A woman's beliefs influence her birth. Exploring beliefs heightens self-awareness.
• The emotions of a birthing woman have profound effects on the birth outcome. Women must be allowed to express all their birth related feelings.