The History of Birth: What Every Childbirth Educator Should Know

Childbirth has a history that is filled with traditions, strong community bonds, and power. Every person who has an interest in becoming a childbirth educator should make it a priority to know the this history of women's birth. Knowing the history of birth will not only help us to continue the strive towards a more traditional way of birth, but will also help to remind us of what a powerful and live-changing event birth was once viewed as.

Childbirth was once attended primarily by community midwives: women who were experienced in childbirth and who understood the natural process of labor and birth. Birth was a community event in which women would rally around and support the new mother and infant. Community bonds were strong, and despite the fact that women were placed in the more traditional role that is now viewed as "demeaning", every woman back then experienced and knew the power of her body: the power to go through the natural labor process and bring forth life.

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The History of Birth: What Every Childbirth Educator Should Know