BIRTHING FROM WITHIN
The "Birthing from Within" philosophy is based on the idea that birth is a life-altering rite of passage, not a medical event, even when medical care is a part of the birth. In addition to this, six beliefs of women who "birth from within" are that:
- Connecting with other mothers and women for support and guidance is an essential part of preparation for the birth and mothering.
- The power to birth comes from within themselves; from their strong bodies and their commitment to do whatever it takes to birth their child.
- Primitive self-expression, including making noise and losing control, are a natural part of birth (and "looking good" isn't).
- Protecting their birth space so that it is conducive to birth (quiet, dimly lit, warm and private) is critically important to how their birth will unfold.
- For Western women, birthing requires preparation and practice during pregnancy.
