A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities. - Eda J LeShan
When a family’s journey through the estimated forty weeks of pregnancy is imagined, it may look something like this: a positive pregnancy test, choosing a doctor or midwife, hearing the baby’s heartbeat for the first time, seeing the baby on the first ultrasound, writing a birth plan, hiring a doula, finding out the gender, preparing a nursery, pre-washing baby clothes, choosing a name, packing hospital bags, and weekly doctor’s appointments. All of these milestones lead to the end of the pregnancy when it is time to meet baby.
We have a secret in our culture. It’s not that birth is painful - it’s that women are strong.
Laura Stavoe Harm
Over many centuries, history has shown that childbirth is altered by culture, law, medicine, medical staff, situations, and ideas. Yet, history proves the strength, dedication, and power of women to overcome pain and conquer, no matter the circumstances. Childbirth is a natural process — it ought to be empowering, inspirational, and beautiful. A mother giving birth should feel strong, confident, and loved — not weak, fearful, and disregarded.