From Cathy's Desk

It is my hope that as you read this book, you will feel a strong connection and shared bonding with all women giving birth, for birth is cross-cultural, timeless, and ancient.  Birth is also an experience greater than ourselves that has transforming power if we take the step of looking more deeply inside.  After all, isn’t that what a woman needs to do when in labor?  It is also my hope that you will feel touched at some deep level with inspiration to make changes in your life for the better.

Philosophies expressed in the book include:

• Love is the foundation upon which positive birthing begins.
• The knowledge about how to give birth is born within every woman. Birth is instinctive and therefore doesn't need to be taught. Rather, women need to have more trust and faith in their body knowledge
• The practice of Human Values (Truth, Right Action, Peace, Love, and Nonviolence) builds character and instills confidence in birth and life.
• When learning occurs in an emotional context, it is more meaningful and lasting.
• Healthy food helps to grow a healthy baby.
• A woman will labor the best wherever she feels the safest and most secure.  For some that may be a hospital and for others it may mean at home or in an alternative birthing center.
• Silence and privacy help a woman’s labor to progress and that good thoughts produce hormones of joy.
• Integration of the mind, body, and spirit is essential when giving birth.
• A woman who feels empowered by her birth experience has the foundation and confidence for the work of parenting.