Intentional Birthing

•The USA spends more than any other country on health care, and more on maternal health than any other type of hospital care. Despite this, women in the USA have a higher risk of dying of pregnancy-related complications than those in 40 other countries. For example, the likelihood of a woman dying in childbirth in the USA is five times greater than in Greece, four times greater than in Germany, and three times greater than in Spain.” Excerpt from the Amnesty International Report “Deadly Delivery; The Maternal Health Care Crisis in the USA” March, 2010

•s a birth professional, I hear birth stories all the time. And sadly, many of those stories include phrases like "...wouldn't let me.." or "...I had to.." or simply and sadly "If only I had known..." I chose the name "Intentional Birthing" because today, women and families must be knowledgeable health-care consumers, and take control of their birth experience. To birth with intention, with purpose, is to make decisions based on your unique experience and perspective. The professionals around you, including me, work for you. You hire us for our expertise and guidence, but we are not your bosses. Sometimes it may not seem like you are making a choice, but you are. (That's why you sign consent forms!) Your birth choices are up to YOU, every one of them! Shouldn't you take the time to really understand just what impact your choices may have on your birth expierience?

•“Intentional Birthing” is a unique childbirth education series that provides families with education and tools that will enable them to become empowered health care consumers. These fun and informative classes will help you discover and explore the myriad of options that you will face during this exciting time. I use games, art, videos, and handouts, and I encourage an atmosphere of free and open dialogue. Topics include�

• How to find your best care provider.
• Exploring your beliefs about pregnancy and birth
• The Anatomy and Chemestry of Birth
• Common Interventions: The Risks, Benefits, & Alternatives
• VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)
• Navigating the Stages of Un-Medicated Labor
• How to support a woman during labor and birth.
• Cesarean Birth and Recovery
• The Postpartum Adjustment and Postpartum Depression
• The Circumcision Decision.
• Basic Breastfeeding and newborn care.