A women’s journey through pregnancy and childbirth will forever impact her. Women who are given knowledge, support, encouragement and empowerment will ultimately have positive childbirth experiences. I trust the natural process of labor and believe that the low risk, uncomplicated pregnancy and labor should not be treated as a medical condition and unnecessary medical intervention should be withheld.

The childbirth experience, whether it be positive or negative, will profoundly change a woman forever. A birth experience with little or no intervention in a nurturing, supportive environment leaves most women feeling a deep sense of accomplishment, strength and empowerment. When the labor and birth do not go as a women has envisioned, she must process it and come to terms with that outcome. Many people do not recognize how deeply this can impact a women, her baby, and her entire family. Women who are not well informed and who feel powerless during childbirth have a more difficult time overcoming unexpected interventions during childbirth. Women who feel autonomous and confident, with caretakers that are supportive and encouraging will have a much easier time coping with unexpected outcomes. I recognize at times there is a need for intervention and fully understand the nature of emergencies from my experience working in a high risk hospital. However, I also know that women who feel safe and supported, women who are allowed to move freely, and women who know their options and have a say in their choices without feeling resistance from the medical community ultimately require less intervention and therefore, have more fulfilling birth experiences.

It is my commitment to my clients and my patients to inform, support, encourage and empower.