When training as a childbirth educator, it is often recommended that you articulate your own philosophy of birth and childbirth education. Here is mine:

What is the nature of childbirth?

Birth is a normal, physiological process. It is a woman-directed and woman-centered rite of passage with profound social, emotional, psychological, and relational effects on woman, family, and society. Birth is an active process and birth is a journey.

Who should control the experience?

The pregnant woman.

What is the purpose of childbirth education?

Practical preparation, self-discovery, confidence building. Also, to serve as an information resource.

What is the role of the childbirth educator?

Facilitator, guide, support, encourager, question-answerer, initiator, “midwife” to plans and self-confidence, activist outside of classroom.

What is expected of families who attend classes?

Responsiveness, care about what happens to them and to their babies, interest in natural birth, willingness and openness to try ideas and be open to exploration.

What is the focus of teaching?

What families want to know and also what I have learned it important for them to know. Informed decision making, experiential learning, and self-inquiry/discovery. Also, development of confidence and trust in their abilities.

How compulsory is class participation?

Responsive to needs (including non-verbal cues), but really encourage participation as well to build skills, confidence, and memory.

How central is the woman to her own birth?

Paramount. Anything I say, do, or teach is less important than how she feels, what she needs, and what she is doing during her own unique birthing.