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"The experience really has
nothing to do with the imagination and everything to do with the
experience of it -
living in the moment of the birth experience."
Kristen, 1st time mom |
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Philosophy |
 Birthing naturally
has challenged and inspired us for many thousands of years. Despite
our technological age many people still value the experience of birth
and choose to give birth free of anesthetics. In so doing, they commit
to full participation in one of the most intense and beautiful
processes of their lives. The result, for most couples, is the deeply
satisfying fulfillment of participation in a miracle.
Modern obstetrics places its
focus on the physical events of birth, whereas, the midwifery model
goes beyond to include the emotional and spiritual aspects. A woman
births a baby from deep within herself, calling upon her heart and
spirit to complete the journey. It is in this place that a woman's
most important preparation for labor and motherhood takes place. As
important as the right environment, birth attendant and support team
are for the event, it is her own inner resources that will birth her
baby. The challenge for her partner is to explore the role of
supporting and nurturing her through that process. Together they will
transition into parenthood and all that lies beyond.
The home environment provides a supportive and safe environment in
which to give birth, allowing a woman to relax and follow her unique
path in the laboring process. When a newborn baby is perceived to be a
conscious, cognizant being, the manner in which he/she is born can
have far reaching effects. Assisted by capable and experienced
midwives, a family has the freedom to create the birth experience they
desire and welcome their new child with love, dignity and a gentle
beginning.
Sometimes birth leads us to the very edge of ourselves and then asks
us to jump. What we learn about ourselves in that leap will always be
part of who we are. It is the gift that comes from sincere effort and
acceptance of responsibility. |
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Our roles as midwives and healers take many forms. We advise. We
guide. We watch. We reassure. Rarely, we rescue. We listen to family
troubles, we order lab work, we wipe tired brows. Mostly, we are
privileged to witness the beauty of people in their most honest, real
states. Birth has this way of cutting out the pretenses and letting
the truth shine through. We love what we do. |
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It starts with
washing your hands
when baby spits up on them.
Then, there’s changing your shirt
when the shut-off valve
for your breasts doesn't shut
off.
And the day comes
when smelling like baby and milk
is the sweet honey of life -
and you’ll hope
you can remember it forever.
Copyright 2004
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