“...the woman has developed powerful relaxation techniques, practiced during the most intense and memorable experience of her life. She has learned how breathing slowly and deeply can change her bodily sensations, as well as the tenor of her thoughts. She has probably developed a new respect and appreciation for her body. She has experienced the extraordinary mixture of vulnerability, power, and contact with the female principle that characterizes labor and birth.” -Ina May Gaskin, CPM, Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth

“Just the presence of a doula helps to avoid the suggestion of intervention and allows parents to relax in the confidence that they are in good hands... They are worth their weight in gold.” -Marie F. Mongan, Hypnobirthing

“An active birth is instinctive. It involves your giving birth quite naturally and spontaneously through your own will and determination, having the complete freedom to use your body as you choose and to follow its urges. Active birth is an attitude of mind.” -Janet Balaskas, Active Birth

“The most predictable thing about birth is its total unpredictability.” -Penny Simkin, The Birth Partner