Philosophy
		"Much of the stress of labor is preventable because many of the stressors are not inherent to labor."  ~Penny Simkin

These quotes, as well as the others throughout my website, illustrate my philosophy towards pregnancy, birth and life with a new baby.

“Birth is not about pleasing your caregiver (or doula), following institutional rules, fitting into a medical culture, mastering a new medical language, or being a patient. Birth is about listening to your body, connecting with your baby and birthing a family.” 
 ~  Sarah Hilbert-West

“We value technology for all that it enables us to do and for the sense of safety and control over nature that it provides. Thus is easiest for us to believe that “managing” birth with technology is far safer than allowing birth to flow. But just as damming rivers profoundly alters natural ecosystems, intervening in birth profoundly alters this natural process and can cause problems that require more technology to fix them . . . . .”  
~  Robbie Davis-Floyd, Ph.D.

"Women are allowed or not to have their babies at home. In hospital, they are allowed or not to move, scream or sing, stand, walk, sit or squat. Women are allowed or not to have their babies after birth...To allow is to exercise as much, if not more power, than to forbid" 
~ Ronald Laing

Pregnancy & Birth

I believe that pregnancy and birth are natural events for which a woman’s body and mind are perfectly equipped. In the vast majority of cases, healthy women grow and birth their babies best when there is no interference in the process.

Unfortunately, there are many “voices” in our society that tell women and their partners that pregnancy and childbirth are fraught with dangers and sudden disasters despite evidence to the contrary. This mindset leads many women to experience stress, fear and ultimately to have long, difficult labours.

When a woman listens to her body (including clues that something is not well), trusts in its’ competence, seeks out information and surrounds herself with caregivers who believe in the birth process she can experience a vibrant pregnancy and an uncomplicated, stress-free birth. In the rare event that complications arise, she also has the confidence to meet the challenge without panic.

 A trained birth doula can help mom and her partner find the information they need to make informed choices and support them during labour and birth.

Postpartum

The first days and weeks at home with a new baby are a whirlwind of emotions and adjustments for everybody from mom and dad, to siblings, grandparents, even pets.

 As your baby’s parents, you are uniquely in tune with his or her needs and love them more than anybody else. But learning your baby’s cues, recuperating from birth and generally not getting enough sleep can create stress and a feeling of being overwhelmed.

 The practical, compassionate help of an experienced mom and trained postpartum doula can help you and your family settle into a new routine and develop confidence in caring for your precious new arrival.