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“We are in the midst of an epidemic of patently unnatural birth: most labors are started or propelled by artificial hormones, and nearly one-third of American women are giving birth by major abdominal surgery. The norm is very far from what’s normal.”
- Jennifer Block, Pushed
Core Beliefs and Birth Philosophy
What is a birth philosophy?
Simply put, a birth philosophy is the collection of beliefs a person holds regarding what birth should look like.
Over the course of our lives we are exposed to countless narratives - often from movies or people we know - that slowly influence our own beliefs about birth before we’ve ever had the chance to consider them for ourselves. Depending on the environment you find yourself in, this messaging could be encouraging, disturbing, or anywhere in between.
Discovering your personal beliefs about birth is the first step toward having the birth you want. Your next step is surrounding yourself with a likeminded birth team that will help you achieve the birth you desire.
What is Salt and Light's birth philosophy?
Pregnancy and childbirth are normal, physiological processes.
Women's bodies were designed perfectly to create and sustain life, and the ability to give birth is a blessing.
The movement of birth into a highly medicalized setting has altered both the general public's and medical professionals’ beliefs regarding birth over time, resulting in the treatment of pregnancy and childbirth as an ailment that requires intervention rather than the normal, physiological process that it is.
There is a time and place for medical intervention, however healthy mothers and babies are too often subjected to unnecessary intervention.
Birth looks different to every mother and her hopes, fears, desires, and vulnerabilities should always be respected.
What does Salt and Light mean?
In the sermon on the mount, Matthew 5:13-16, we were set apart as the salt of the earth and light of the world. What does this teaching mean, and what does it mean to be "salt and light"?
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At the time of this teaching, salt was primarily used for two things: a preservative to keep food from spoiling, and a flavor enhancer to improve the quality of a dish. Light, more obviously, was used as a guide in the dark.
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This analogy — taken from my personal faith — illustrates how I intend to serve my community: preserving the intended design of childbirth, enhancing the experience for each family, and guiding them along this physically and emotionally complex journey.
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