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 “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is his reward." (Psalms 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.

~Dotti Kirkpatrick

The Midwives Model of Care


The Midwives Model of Care is based on the fact that pregnancy and birth are normal life events. The Midwives Model of Care includes:

Monitoring the physical, psychological and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle;
Providing the mother with individualized education, counseling, and prenatal care, continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery, and postpartum support;

Minimizing technological interventions; and Identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention.

The application of this model has been proven to reduce the incidence of birth injury, trauma, and cesarean section.

© 1996-2001 Midwifery Task Force