Philosophy

Birth can be more complicated now than it was in times past. I'm not talking about complications in the sense of medical complications, but in the sense of how we can mentally, emotionally, technologically, and physically complicate what is, in fact, a very simple yet intense process of opening the cervix and pushing the baby out.

The complications come from various sources:

• medical technology
• the fact that birth is hidden from view so that women tend to give birth having never seen a birth before
• the media's portrayal of birth as dangerous and agonizing
• the desire to make it the perfect choreographed experience when it is usually a very basic physical journey that is not, for the most part, in our conscious control

birth zone classes emphasize the simplicity of the process and the power of your body to do the work. At the end of the series of classes, my goal is that you will be:

• more confident of your body's innate wisdom and, therefore, your ability to birth
• more equipped with techniques you can turn to in labor
• more knowledgeable about the process and the various paths you may take
• more capable of making informed decisions regarding your care

and, for the birth partner:

• more confident of your role

Whether you give birth--as most of you will--using only your own resources, or whether you require some assistance along the way, I hope you will look back on the birth of your baby with satisfaction and joy. I wish you the best of births.