Birth Vantage Point

Birth, to me, is a powerful, sacred, and transformative experience. I believe that the birthing process is not only a natural physiological event but also a deeply emotional and spiritual journey for both the birthing person and those supporting them. I view birth as something our bodies were divinely designed to do, with incredible wisdom and resilience built into every contraction, hormone, and instinct. My beliefs about birth have been shaped by a combination of personal experiences, professional training as a doula, and witnessing many births over the past several years. I’ve seen firsthand how birth outcomes and emotional recovery vary dramatically depending on the amount of support, respect, and autonomy a birthing person is given. I've also been influenced by birth literature, especially books like Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth and evidence-based research emphasizing the benefits of physiological birth and minimal intervention when safe and appropriate. Cultural influences have played a role too. Growing up, birth was often portrayed as a crisis—a painful emergency requiring medical rescue. But as I’ve deepened my education and witnessed alternative models of care, such as midwifery-led births and home births, my perspective has shifted significantly. I now understand that while medical support is sometimes necessary and lifesaving, many births unfold more smoothly when mothers are empowered, unpressured, and surrounded by trust in their body's ability to birth. The kind of birth I would hope to have—if I were giving birth again or advising someone close to me—would be one that is grounded in informed choice, calm, and flexibility. I would hope for a setting where the birthing person feels safe, heard, and respected. That might be at home, in a birth center, or in a hospital—but the critical factor is how they are treated, not just where they are. I would want continuous support from a compassionate care team, space to move freely, and time to allow labor to progress without unnecessary pressure. To me, a positive birth experience is not defined by whether it was “natural” or by whether everything went according to a plan. A positive birth experience is one where the birthing person feels informed, in control of their choices, respected, and emotionally supported. It is when they can look back and say, “I was heard. I was strong. I was supported.” Even if interventions become necessary, if those choices are made with full understanding and consent, the experience can still be empowering and healing. Ultimately, my birth viewpoint continues to evolve, but it is grounded in the belief that birth is a normal life event, not a medical emergency by default. With the right support and preparation, I believe most birthing people can walk away from their experience feeling proud, transformed, and deeply connected to their own power.