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What I Believe About Childbirth
by Dotti Kirkpatrick
I want you to know what my approach to childbirth is based on, so here
are some of my beliefs...
- I believe that “Children are a gift of the Lord. The fruit of the womb
is a great reward.” (Psalm 127:3)
- I believe that childbirth is a natural event, not a medical procedure.
- I believe that when parents are properly educated and prepared for
childbirth, it can be a wonderful experience-of-a-lifetime for them,
binding them closer together as a couple and a family. I recommend
the Bradley Method ®.
- I believe in the parents’ right to choose the caregiver and place of
care to birth their baby, whether it be with a midwife or a physician,
and whether it is in their own home, in a birth center, or in a
hospital.
- I believe that when parents are given accurate information, the vast
majority of them are capable of making the best decisions regarding the
circumstances for the birth of their children.
- I believe that proper nutrition during pregnancy, including appropriate nutritional supplements, is vital for the health of the mom and her
baby.
- I believe that, for a vast majority of pregnancies and births, medical
intervention is entirely inappropriate, and may result in unnecessary
complications for moms and babies.
- I believe that most episiotomies and most cesarean sections are
unnecessary. Situations may arise requiring these interventions, but
they should be very rare.
- I believe that there is a tremendous need for excellent doctors and
hospitals. I am not “anti-doctor” or “anti-hospital.” I am thankful
for wise, sensitive doctors and hospitals. I never hesitate to refer to
a physician or to transport to a hospital when necessary.
- I believe that the baby growing in the mother’s womb is a human child.
No matter what the circumstances are outside the womb, I do not believe
that the baby deserves to die for it. I am pro-life. However, I
believe that moms who may have made mistakes in the past need grace and
compassion, not condemnation.
~Dotti Kirkpatrick
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