The childbearing year of pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and early parenting are natural life processes and are uniquely significant to each individual and family.
Parents to be and new parents’ needs should be addressed from a holistic perspective, and consideration should be made to the uniqueness of each family.
All information provided to families should be current and evidence based.
Information given about the natural process and alternatives of childbirth and the appropriate use of medical technology in childbirth should be current and accurate.
Women and their partners should be supported in their choice of childbirth.
In a low risk situation, women have all the internal resources required to gestate, birth, breastfeed, and parent their babies without routine medical intervention.
Effective childbirth education, access to community connections and resources and continuous supportive care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum makes for the best maternal, family and neonatal outcomes.
Every chosen member of one’s birth team has an important role to play. With a respect to all members’ roles and good communication, all team members can create a safe and gratifying birth experience.
Doulas and childbirth educators need to clearly communicate their scope of practice and practice within this scope.
Effective communication and trust are key elements of any effective team!
