#1 Natural Birth. Birth is a normal part of a healthy lifecycle. Pregnancy and birth are normal healthy experiences, not pathological diseases, and should be treated as such. Low-risk healthy pregnancies and births are not medical events, and should not be intervened with unless there is appropriate medical reason. The US has one of the highest cesarean birth rates, spends the most on maternal and infant health, and has a high infant mortality rate. Also, most women in America give birth in hospitals with obstetricians. In Holland, the majority of women birth at home with midwives, their infant mortality rate is correspondingly low, and natural birth is the norm.

#2 Organic Food. Nutrition is prenatal care. Eating appropriately and wisely during pregnancy and breastfeeding is the number one factor in infant health, maternal health, birth outcome, and continued lifelong health for the baby. Women who eat poorly during pregnancy are more likely to have babies who are sickly, premature, and need resuscitation and neonatal care after they are born. Poor nutrition also can contribute to postpartum depression, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to disease. The best food for pregnant and nursing mothers is fresh, organic food. Avoid eating genetically modified foods, foods with preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, and excess processing. Whether you are an omnivore, vegetarian, vegan, or raw, you can eat a healthy diet for your growing baby with careful planning and awareness of the health of your food.

#3 Clean Water. Water is essential to life on Earth. During pregnancy and lactation, drinking ample amounts of pure filtered water is critical to optimal health of the fetus. The fetus lives in a watery environment, the primal maternal ocean. The amniotic fluid is made up of the fluid the mother drinks. Tap water in America may contain residues of pharmaceuticals as well as industrial toxins. These toxins may be able to cross the placental barrier. Access to pure drinking water should be the right of all pregnant women and parents.

#4 Midwifery Care All women deserve access to midwifery care. Midwives are the global experts in normal healthy birth. The history of midwifery reaches back across the globe, through traditional cultures for thousands of years. Modern midwives may be LM – licensed midwives, CPM – certified professional midwives, CNM – certified nurse-midwives, or DEM – direct-entry midwives (empirically trained) and may provide services at home, birth centers, or at hospitals if a nurse-midwife. Midwives provide women-centered care, spend more time with their patients than obstetricians, and understand the woman’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. Midwives support the natural physiological process of undisturbed birth and are trained in emergency procedures. Midwives have drastically lower rates of clients with cesareans, inductions, forced deliveries, episiotomies, postpartum depression, epidurals, narcotics – they support the natural cycles of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

# 5 Doulas Labor support doulas and postpartum doulas are women who are trained and experienced in offering emotional support and comfort measures to women during the childbearing year. The doula provides education, resources, and advocacy when the mother is seeking information. During labor the doula provides continuous labor support offering support in relaxation measures, positioning, massage, and comfort. The doula focused on how the mother is feeling, helping her to surf through her contractions, and stay connected to her partner, baby, and birth. The doula can help the mother to have a natural birth experience and can provide advocacy and conscious presence during challenging or high-risk births. Postpartum doulas provide breastfeeding information, newborn care assistance, babywearing support, massage, food preparation, and gentle household support so new moms and babies can bond, rest, and heal.

#6 Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is best for babies, mothers, and the Earth. It’s perfectly packaged, optimally balanced, and free. Babies love it best, and it provides them with the nutrients that they need as well as powerful immunities to the environment they are in. Breastfeeding saves money and planetary resources, is portable, and fast. Formula uses energy, packaging, highly processed foods, water, and time to prepare. Breastfeeding promotes maternal-infant bonding and communication, as well as reduces the mother’s risks of later developing breast cancer.

#7 Natural Health. Natural healing modalities have been used by mothers, parents, and midwives for thousands of years to gently support the health of the pregnant women, infant, and child. Touch therapies, such as massage therapy, acupressure, reflexology, and vibrational healing enhance the body’s immune function, decrease stress, and promote bonding between mother and baby. Herbs, homeopathy, and flower essences can support the mother and infant through many ailments and transitions. Acupuncture, chiropractic, and naturopathy offer solutions for situations in pregnancy and postpartum that allopathic medicine can only offer pharmaceuticals and surgery to treat. Natural therapies offer safe, time-honored methods of supporting health for pregnant women, lactating women, and infants.