Category Archives: Water Birth

Winging it. The Birth of my Daughter Jane.

Last night my daughter was born. My midwife came over at noon October 11th, the day before. According to dating, Jane was one week and one day overdue. At this meeting I expressed how I was no longer just a … Continue reading

Posted in Birth Stories, General, Homebirth, Labor and Birth, Natural Childbirth, Unassisted Birth, Water Birth | 6 Comments

Activist in Training: Carolyn C.

In my biopsychology of birth class we were asked to do a five-minute presentation on the “culture of birth.” I have to admit I had a hard time understanding what the culture of birth was exactly. I asked myself, what … Continue reading

Posted in General, Labor and Birth, Water Birth | 1 Comment

Chiropractic Care during Pregnancy

As one of my steps in helping to have a great birth, and avoid a cesarean section in a society where 1/3 of births are by surgery, I highly suggest Chiropractic care! Continue reading

Posted in Birth Stories, Cesarean Section, Childbirth Education, General, Homebirth, Labor and Birth, Natural Childbirth, Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Water Birth | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Reducing Infant Mortality

Please watch this video and then spread the word about how to reduce infant mortality. Click here to visit the website and get help with writing to your legislator, or sending them this video. Reducing Infant Mortality from Debby Takikawas … Continue reading

Posted in Breastfeeding, Cesarean Section, Childbirth Education, Doulas, Homebirth, Hospital Birth, Induction, Jennifer, Labor and Birth, Media, Midwifery, Natural Childbirth, Obstetricial Interventions, Prematurity, Prenatal Care, Research, Water Birth | 1 Comment

Celebrity Homebirthing

When I read stories like this one about musician, actress Charlotte Church, my faith in the media is somewhat renewed. There are positive influences for young women pertaining to birth, though in America in particular, those good influecnes are too few and far between. But there is hope.

I remembered hearing about Celebrity Baby Blog. Their year in review for celebrity homebirths received several positive, encouraging comments. What’s more, these celeb-moms have a great influence over their legions of fans and even for trends of the season. In 2008, Laila Ali anticipates a home birth along with Charlotte Church, and other homebirthers are speaking out, like Maria Bello, from the latest Mummy movie.

But birthing isn’t a fad; our survival depends upon it. Natural births, home- and waterbirths, all births in which families realize their options and responsibilities give us that much more positive influence on the world around us. The work we do as birth activists is ultimately to awaken others to the importance of positive birthing, mother- and baby-friendly care, education and empowerment.

“Birth is the epicenter of women’s power,” says Ani DiFranco, which says much coming from such a feminist icon. Nearly all mothers are superheroes, and we have the power to do amazing things, even if we’re not super stars. How many have you awakened lately?
Continue reading

Posted in Celebrities, Homebirth, Labor and Birth, Water Birth | Leave a comment

Waterbirth International Needs YOU!

From Waterbirth International:

For twenty plus years WBI and Barbara Harper have been here guiding mothers and their providers, providing education and birth pools all over the world. We are facing the hard truth that the Gentle Birth World Congress – a fabulous success in every way for international , as well as local attendees – drained all of our resources. We may have to close the doors permanent by January 31st.

We need to raise $200,000 in donations to cover the debts from the Congress and move on to keeping waterbirth alive as an available option.

Can you help us stay open to take the next phone call?


- to convince the next obstetrician to incorporate waterbirth into his/her practice


- to work with the nurse midwives to install pools in their facilities


- to educate an entire hospital on the benefits of allowing women freedom of movement in the water


How much is it worth to see waterbirth become the norm in the US, like it is in the UK? I think we only need a few more years to make that happen.


Women really do want waterbirth to be an available choice in every hospital. They need choices now, more than ever.

If we need to call every single waterbirth parent personally, we will. We don’t want 25 years of pioneering work to end and the vision of safe and beautiful waterbirth to go away.

Please do the following:


Post this message on other sites and blogs

Continue reading

Posted in Organizations, Water Birth | Leave a comment