A note on Childbirth Education- Birthing in Awareness- by Pamela England
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 mentor is "midwife" to the parent's discovery process, not the expert from whom the wisdom flows
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 the class content
Active, creative self-expression is critical in 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 then dusted-off for labor
Fathers 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
Pamela England- Birthing from Within
Find out more about my private, long-distance childbirth preparation, mentoring, and coaching services.
The essence of childbirth preparation is self-discovery, not assimilating obstetric information
The mentor is "midwife" to the parent's discovery process, not the expert from whom the wisdom flows
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 the class content
Active, creative self-expression is critical in 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 then dusted-off for labor
Fathers 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
Pamela England- Birthing from Within
Find out more about my private, long-distance childbirth preparation, mentoring, and coaching services.