• for the mind... Human Values and Birth: A New Perspective
• for the body... The Power of Water: Keeping well hydrated is essential for you and baby!
• for the spirit... After a traumatic birth: Finding the courage to birth again
• Schedule of upcoming Childbirth Educator, Birth Doula, and Postpartum Doula Training Workshops!
• Bith Works National Conference Human Values in Birth: A New Perspective July 11-13, 2003 Clarion Hotel Conference Center in Cherry Hill, NJ

...for the mind

Human Values and Birth: A New Perspective How can we change the climate of birth today? How do we gain the confidence to move forward, trusting birth, trusting women, and trusting that we can make good decisions for ourselves and our babies? Decisions about where and how we will birth are often made from fear and a belief that birth is a crisis waiting to happen, a traumatic event to be endured instead of an opportunity to marvel in the power and beauty of a woman in labor. In Birth Works classes, we work together to uncover belief systems and strengthen the universal truth about birth. This truth is that all women already know how to give birth. Finding this truth for ourselves begins with self-inquiry and expression of feelings. "Who am I?" and "How did I get to where I am today?" Releasing past hurts in a supportive, non-judgmental environment gives us the ability to see ourselves with compassion and truth. It is from truth that we can move forward with peace of mind.

You cannot do great things in this world. You can only do small things with great love. -Mother Theresa

When we come from the basic truth, that women know how to give birth, we will have right actions that are in the best interest of laboring women and their babies. When our thoughts are truthful, our behaviors and choices will reflect what is true. Our thoughts and behaviors will be in sync and a sense of peace will come over us. We will be able to let go of worry, fear, guilt and blame. The practice of these basic human values in every birth setting has enormous potential to improve the birth experience for women and babies everywhere.

Thinking with love is truth. Feeling with love is peace. Acting with love is right conduct. Understanding with love is non-violence. -Sathya Sai

...for the body

The Power of Water: Keeping well hydrated is essential for you and baby! An adult body is composed of nearly 70% water. Along with oxygen, we are completely dependent on water for our survival. Water transports nutrients, regulates our body temperature, eliminates waste products and toxins from the body, and keeps the skin and joints moist and lubricated. We may find that we are able to concentrate better after drinking water. Poor hydration is responsible for distractibility, low energy and muscle weakness among other things. A severe state of dehydration causes serious chemical imbalances in the body. It is said that when we first have the thought that we are thirsty, the body is already in a state of dehydration. Dehydration is known to cause premature labor and many other pregnancy related complications.

One pregnancy related complication of dehydration is low amniotic fluid. Studies have shown that women who have lower amniotic fluid levels can effectively improve their levels by increasing the amount of water they are drinking. During pregnancy we need to drink at least 10 eight-ounce glasses of liquid every day, water being the best choice. Hot temperatures and exercise increase the need for water. So, as summer approaches, keep in mind that having a water bottle with at all times is great for you and your growing baby.

Common Sense Nutrition Guide written by Birth Works founder, Cathy Daub, PT and Horatio G. Daub, MD is a 7 page guide covering many aspects of nutrition for a healthy pregnancy as well as information on phytochemicals, trans fats, sugars, organic foods, vitamin supplementation and pre-conceptual folic acid. Quanitiy discounts are available. For a complete description of all our childbirth books and videos and to place an order, visit our online store at http://www.birthworks.org/store.phtml.

...for the spirit

After a traumatic birth: Finding the courage to birth again Birth Works classes are for everyone, new parents and parents with prior vaginal and/or cesarean births. Women who take Birth Works classes in preparation for a subsequent birth may do so because they are looking for answers to unresolved questions about their first birth experience, emotional healing from the loss of a normal birth, and support for making different choices about care providers, birth settings and medical technology this time around. Often women who have experienced traumatic first births, lose confidence in themselves and birth. It is the purpose of all we do in the Birth Works curriculum to help women re-gain that trust in birth and themselves.

What are five positive things that you got out of your cesarean birth besides a healthy baby?

When Birth Works childbirth educators pose this question to mothers planning vaginal birth after cesarean, the room becomes silent. It is not a question that anyone anticipated. For women who have experienced unplanned and even traumatic cesarean births with their first baby, it can be difficult for them to imagine what else they could have gotten out of their cesarean experience besides their baby, the losses seem so overwhelming. Indeed, cesarean surgery is major surgery with a painful recovery period during early postpartum time when you most want to feel strong and capable of taking care of your baby. Often women are separated from their babies for a time after surgery and this loss is felt acutely. They may not be able to touch their baby immediately and bring the baby to suckle moments after birth. So many losses-how can one imagine what has been gained? Slow but sure, eventually she is able to reframe her experience.

I found out how strong I really was. I learned more about the risks of birth technology and this will help me make more informed choices this time around. I discovered how much my partner really loves and supports me through the rough times and the good times. I learned that life can be unpredictable and that I cannot always control everything that happens. It is good to let go of control. I found a group of women who know how I feel and support me unconditionally.

To inquire about Birth Works childbirth education classes or to find an Birth Works Certified Educator and/or Doula in your area visit http://www.birthworks.org/directory.html.

2002 Birth Works Training Workshops

Entry into our educator, doula, or postpartum doula certification programs is a prerequisite for attendance at the training workshop.

Go to http://www.birthworks.org/cecert.html for Educator Certification,
http://www.birthworks.org/doulacert.html for Birth Doula Certification,
http://www.birthworks.org/ppdcert.html for our Postpartum Certification program.

Zoe Cryns is seeking submissions for a book of stories from women who have birthed without the use of obstetrical drugs/medical intervention, entitled Transitions and focusing on the spiritual and meditative aspect of birthing. Stories, poems, and essays from women, men, caregivers, doctors, midwives, etc all accepted. Send SASE for Guidelines, to Transitions, P.O. Box 191340, San Diego CA 92159. Deadline Extended to October 31, 2002.

Sponsors-Midwifery Today is proud to introduce the Birth Market, our online Mother/Baby/Environment-Friendly Product and Services Directory. Check us out! Shop for wonderful birth-related products at the Birth Market or find a birth practitioner. Do you have a product or service to sell?  Are you a midwife, doula, or other birth practitioner? Become a part of the Birth Market today! http://www.birthmarket.com/