I have been teaching classes in natural childbirth for 17 years.  My classes are based upon the principles and philosophies of the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative which include the following:

• Birth is a normal, natural and healthy process.
• Women and babies have the inherent wisdom necessary for birth.
• Babies are aware, sensitive human beings at the time of birth, and should be acknowledged and treated as such.
• Breastfeeding provides the optimum nourishment for newborns and infants.
• Birth can safely take place in hospitals, birth centers, and homes.
• The midwifery model of care, which supports and protects the normal birth process, is the most appropriate for the majority of women during pregnancy and birth.
• Individuals are ultimately responsible for making informed choices about the health care they and their babies receive.
• Interventions should not be applied routinely during pregnancy, birth or the postpartum period.  Many standard medical tests, procedures, technologies, and drugs carry risks to both mother and baby and should be avoided in the absence of specific scientific indications for their use.
• If complications arise during pregnancy, birth, or the postpartum period, medical treatments should be evidence-based.

For more information about the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative and to read the entire document, please ago to www.motherfriendly.org