Birth Works®

Taken from www.birthworks.org.

Birth Works® embodies the philosophy of developing a woman's self confidence, trust and faith in her ability to give birth. It is our goal to promote safe and loving birth experiences through education, introspection and confident action.

• Women's bodies are designed to give birth. The knowledge about how to give birth already exists within every woman.
• Birth Works® seeks to facilitate a woman's or a couple's personal process in childbearing, and not to impart a preconceived method of labor and birth. There is no one right way to give birth. Each birth is unique.
• Women's bodies are designed to give birth. The knowledge about how to give birth already exists inside every woman.
• A woman will labor the best where ever she feels the safest and most secure. For some that may be a hospital. For others it may mean at home or in an alternative birthing center
• The nutrition of a pregnant woman has a great impact on the health of her baby from its life as a fetus through adulthood.
• Breastmilk provides optimum nutrition for the newborn baby.
• Birth is one of the greatest challenges life has to offer. It provides an opportunity for personal growth.
• While a cesarean section may be necessary at times, the current rate is too high.
• In most cases, VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) is a safer alternative to routine repeat cesareans.
• Birth Works® is a process, not a method.
• Birth Works® seeks to facilitate a woman's or a couple's personal process in childbearing, and not to impart a preconceived method of labor and birth. There is no one right way to give birth. Each birth is unique.
• A woman in labor deserves an environment in which her privacy, autonomy and emotional security is protected, and her mobility is encouraged.
• Expectant parents should participate in decisions regarding the judicious use of obstetrical medications and procedures.
• A woman's beliefs influence her birth. Exploring beliefs heightens self-awareness, serving as a catalyst for positive change.
• The emotions of a birthing woman have profound effects on the birth outcome. Women must be allowed to express all their birth related feelings.

Cathy Daub designed and taught the first Birth Works® classes in New Jersey in 1981. Birth Works® joined The International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) in 1982 and Cathy served as chairperson of the education committee for the organization to develop Birth Works® into a certification program. The program was completed in 1988 and the first childbirth educator training workshop was held. In 1994 Birth Works® became incorporated to form its own non-profit organization with a full Board of Directors and Board of Advisors.

Cathy is a physical therapist who works with handicapped children. She is also a piano teacher. She serves as president of Birth Works® and continues to bring her many talents together to enhance our learning of the human body and spirit, helping us to have more faith and trust in how it works when giving birth. She is co-editor and writer for the Birth Works® teacher training manual, author of Doulas of Love - a Guidebook for Doulas and Expectant Parents, the Doula Journal workbook, Common Sense Nutrition and composer of original birthing songs on the CD entitled "Believe". She facilitates national childbirth educator and doula workshops for Birth Works® and also represented Birth Works® at the initial Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS) meetings. She is the mother of two children.

FAQs about Birth Works®

1. What is special about BirthWorks®?

The BW classes are designed to help women have more trust and faith in their innate ability to give birth and to help build self-confidence. Our unique approach promotes learning in an emotional context so that it is more meaningful and lasting. We do not teach breathing patterns but instead encourage slow deep breathing and working with the contractions. Although parents can start anytime during their pregnancy, we encourage expectant parents to take classes before they are pregnant or in the first trimester.

2. Who takes Birth Works® classes?

Birth Works® is for all expectant parents regardless of their birthing history. Women with previous cesareans or vaginal births and new parents share beliefs, choices and experiences together in the same setting. They learn there is no one right way to give birth. Our highest goal is to help build self-confidence so each woman can feel positive about her birth regardless of the outcome.

3. When should I take Birth Works®?

As early in pregnancy as possible because that is the time to be learning about belief systems, interviewing doctors and determining your place of birth and birth plan. However, it is never too late to contact a Birth Works® instructor in your area.

4. How long is a Birth Works® series of classes?

Classes are traditionally 10 weeks for 2½ hours each class. Some of our instructors offer private, individualized sessions.

5. You say that Birth Works® is not a method. Then what is it?

Birth Works® is a process that helps to develop a woman's confidence in her own ability to give birth. We do not believe there is any one right way or method to give birth for each birth is unique unto itself and each woman needs to give birth in her own way, and be guided by her own body knowledge which already knows how to give birth.

6. Do you teach breathing patterns?

Though some people say breathing patterns helped them in labor, most others feel they don't work. In Birth Works®, we do not teach breathing patterns for thinking about patterns stimulates the cortical or thinking brain and this inhibits the progress of labor. Instead, we encourage slow deep breathing, working with each contraction.

7. One of the differences I notice in your program is that you teach pelvic bodywork. What is it?

Pelvic bodywork is an experiential technique which increases a person's awareness of how their own pelvis moves and opens in different labor positions. It reinforces the concept that a woman's body is designed for birth.

8. I hear that Birth Works® provides both an emotional and physical preparation for birth. Please explain.

The course is designed so that information is presented in an emotional context for that deepens the impact of learning. In other words, people in the classes are more likely to remember something they have experienced rather than something learned in a lecture format. We also explore feelings and emotions so people can become more aware of beliefs they have about birth and work to change ones as needed.

9. How is the Birth Works ® childbirth preparation program different from other methods?

Birth Works® is a process...not a method. We believe that each birth is unique and that there is no one right way to give birth. We believe all women already know how to give birth and help them to discover their own best way.

10. Why do you include women with all birthing histories (new parents, women with previous vaginal and cesarean births), including VBAC in the same class?

In Birth Works® we believe the information and experiential techniques are applicable to any women giving birth regardless of if she is a new parent or having more children. What better way is there to learn about birth than through the sharing of stories that comes from women with a variety of experiences?

11. A Birth Works® class series is 10 weeks long with each class lasting 2½ hours What happens if I miss some weeks?

The Birth Works® classes were carefully designed so that each class is like the piece of a puzzle that comes together for completion at the end. Participants may wish to check with their instructor to make up missed classes.

12. Where can I take a Birth Works® class?

Classes are offered around the country. Call/write/e-mail the main office for referrals to instructors in your community.

13. Who are Birth Works® instructors?

Birth Works® CCE's are women who have completed a thorough and comprehensive certification program and who share a commitment to educate and empower birthing women.

14. Will my insurance company reimburse for Birth Works® instruction?

Some insurance companies do. Our instructors will provide necessary receipts and certificates.

15. Do Birth Works® instructors attend births?

It is common for instructors to be asked to attend births. Check with your instructor regarding her availability and labor doula practice. You can also contact the Birth Works® Doula Program at the main office for referrals to doulas in your area.

16. I don't want natural childbirth. Iis Birth Works® for me?

Birth Works® instructors respect the right of every woman to make her own choices regarding her pregnancy and birth. Because Birth Works® believes that birth is not a medical event, we work from a philosophy that includes the emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of birthing women. The Birth Works® education process enables women to take responsibility for their births and make informed choices.

17. Who can I bring with me to classes?

Pregnant women and their partners attend Birth Works® classes.

18. In Birth Works®, expectant parents are asked to take your classes within the first trimester or even before they are pregnant. If I do this, will I forget what I learned by the time I give birth?

An essential part of the birth preparation is becoming aware of beliefs you may have about birth, beliefs that will influence all your decision making from choosing a birthplace and birth team, to how you plan to give birth. In addition, learning how to effectively communicate with your caregiver, and learning important information about nutrition are examples of why it is better to begin classes early and not wait until the 7th month of pregnancy. By the 7th month when many other programs begin their classes, wouldn't it be nice to know you are happy with your caregiver, place of birth and birth team? Then you can rest and enjoy the end of your pregnancy, and get ready for the baby to come. This information begins to be processed during Birth Works® classes and won't be forgotten - rather it will enhance your birth experience.

19. Birth Works® is a new program. How did it start?

Cathy Daub, Physical Therapist, designed and taught the first Birth Works® classes in New Jersey in 1981. The course was then developed into a teacher certification program at which time the manual was developed. It became a completed program in 1988. The goal of Birth Works® is to help women have more positive birth experiences by learning to have more faith and trust in their own body knowledge that already knows how to give birth. The classes are for any woman with any birth experience who plans to give birth at home, in the hospital or in a birthing center.

20. Is Birth Works® a program with full credentials?

Yes. Birth Works® is a national/international childbirth education program, with full accreditation. It is fully incorporated with an impressive Board of Advisors including Michel Odent MD, Bethany Hayes MD, Robbie Davis-Floyd PhD (anthropologist), Jan Tritten (editor of Midwifery Today magazine), Marshal Klaus MD, Marsden Wagner MD, Doris Haire (author / activist), J Kaufman (Polymorph Films), Ina May Gaskin (midwife), Lewis Mehl Madrona MD, Henci Goer (author / educator), Suzanne Arms (author), Nancy Wainer Cohen (midwife / author/ educator), and Ray DeVries (sociologist). When a trainee successfully completes the Birth Works® program she is a CCE (certified childbirth educator) for Birth Works®, Inc.