A Special Delivery

My philosophy of care

I believe that pregnancy, childbirth and breast-feeding are normal and natural functions of a woman's mind, body, emotions and spirit, all of which are equally important, and will proceed to an uncomplicated end in most cases.
I believe the midwife's job is to assist the birthing couple in the journey through pregnancy, labor and birth by monitoring that natural process. Cases involving complications, which in my judgment cannot be handled safely in the home, will be referred to persons trained to deal with obstetric difficulties.
I also believe that childbirth is a family-centered event and that the midwife's role is to enhance, not to usurp, the family's power of unity. Except where there is an issue concerning the safety of the mother or child,
I believe the parents should have the experiences they desire and I encourage specific parental requests regarding their birth experience.
I believe that couples must maintain the full responsibility for their own health care and for the outcome of the birth. I will assist with information on nutrition, exercises and childbirth education but you must assume the responsibility of maintaining your own excellent health care. Home birth couples must take extra responsibility in this area since technological help is not immediately available as it is for those birthing in the hospital.
The midwife is a skilled specialist in attending normal birth, giving care and advice to the mother in her pregnancy, labor and birth. She should care for the mother and child after the birth and should be able to detect any obvious abnormality in the mother and in the newborn baby and refer or obtain medical help if necessary. She should be trained in the use of emergency measures in the absence of medical aid to the limit of her education and experience.

She maintains respect for the integrity of the birthing family and the naturally bestowed ability of a woman to bear a child. Out of respect for the birthing process, she believes that interference is an unwise interruption of the body's normal function. She carefully watches and guides, assisting the family to give birth in the way that is of their choosing, respecting the sacredness of the family and its rites of passage.

I seek to offer informed choice, not merely informed consent. You are my clients, never my patients. Any decisions regarding options are yours to make. At the same time, there are limits to what I am willing to take on as a responsible care provider. When and if my limits are reached I will let you know immediately.