My philosophy of childbirth is that of empowerment via informed choice. I believe that education makes it possible to achieve a positive and fulfilling birth experience despite the constraints that may be imposed by a medical delivery.

empowerment via informed choice

This philosophy becomes especially important when dealing with high-risk pregnancy where, because of increased need for medical intervention, it is easier to overlook those goals.

Pregnancy and delivery in a high-risk situation is a team effort between the parents and the medical community. However, often due to lack of education or unfamiliarity with the terminology, parents are unable or unwilling to make any requests for alternatives or for flexibility in policy that would allow for a more personalized birth experience. The medical community, while providing the expertise and care required for the best possible medical outcome, does not always provide for the best social or psychological outcome.

As your support provider I will encourage bridging the gap between parents and the medical community by providing a sound basis of knowledge, by encouraging parents to seek answers to whatever questions they may have, and by instilling in them a desire to become active participants in the birth of their child.

I will help them develop their advocacy skills by making them aware of what they can rightfully expect from their caregivers, and what in turn, is required of them in order to have their needs met. The development of these skills will assist my clients in developing the ability to assess their needs aside from their desires.

My goal as a support provider is to ensure that a positive pregnancy and birthing experience is possible regardless of any restrictions or the method of labour and delivery. I will bring my skills as an educator/facilitator/labour doula, together with my life- and work-experience to provide a valuable resource for my clients—a resource that they may draw upon to further develop life skills that will prove useful long after they have been delivered of their babies.