There are many seasons in our lives as women which involve times of transition and growth. The season when we become mothers can have profound and lasting influence on our lives and our children's lives. Paramana is a Greek word meaning 'with woman'. Traditionally, special women have been the guides and companions of birthing women through this transition time. As birth moved to the hospital and bottles filled with formula replaced a mother's breast, we lost the gentleness of birth and our guides were taken away. I believe that one of our greatest challenges is to reclaim birth as women, to treasure and guard that which is uniquely ours. The amazing part of this whole issue is that as research is done, all of it supports what we have always known. Child birth is safest and easiest for the mom and baby when allowed to progress naturally, without interference. The presence of another woman during the labor and birth significantly improves maternal and fetal outcomes, not just in medical terms, but in emotional aspects. Babies are calmer and more peaceful, mothers are empowered and more confident, more satisfied with their birthing experience and bonding is natural and strong. An added benefit is that the father's experience of the birth is more positive.
So much of the information that we are bombarded with concerning birth and breastfeeding is negative. Interventions, inductions and Cesareans are epidemic in the United States. Whether you and your partner are experiencing your first or fifth pregnancy, finding your way through the maze of seemingly conflicting ideas is difficult. We offer educational and support services to enable you to find your way through this transition time in your life, so that you can birth your baby without fear in the way that you choose. Whether you are looking for midwifery care and a homebirth, doula services for a hospital setting or a preparation course to help you choose, our goal is to educate and empower you to make informed choices, based on solid evidence.
