why birth is important

Knowledge is power, information is power. 

This article really gets it, although coming out of the UK- is true in many industrialized nations around the world. Empowered and positive birth experiences doesn't always mean having a homebirth or "natural birth, they can of course but most importantly feeling informed and well supported make for a postive birth experience. I encourage you to put as much (or more much more) time into researching your birth options as you would looking for the perfect stroller or crib. I'm not saying don't happily compare models and envision the great moments you will have going on walks with your new baby, just explore your birth options with the same excitement! We are very fortunate in Ontario to have options available to us, unfortunately not all provinces have them. 

"Your experience of birth, has the power to instantaneously, empower you and strengthen the bond, attachment and unity, of not just you and your baby, but your entire family. Equally, a disempowering or negative experience, can lead to weeks, months and sometimes even years of pain, disappointment and the regret that comes from being unable to experience the type of positive birth that both women and families, benefit from.You achieve positive birth experiences - note, I said positive, not natural - when you know your stuff, feel supported by your birth partner, feel heard by your care providers, and feel at ease with the process of birth. These things are not a given. You have to set yourself up for this beforehand, building a solid foundation"