What do paintings, sculptures, warriors, belly casts, rites of passage and paper tigers all have in common? Childbirth. And if you can't quite see the connection, then you may not be familiar with the Birthing From Within method.

In 1998, Pam England, a midwife, childbirth educator and prenatal birth therapist, together with psychologist Rob Horowitz introduced the book Birthing From Within (Partera, 1998) to the world.

The book reflects England's own beliefs and experiences, calling on women to explore themselves and teaching them how to embrace the natural pain of the birthing process. The book paved the way for Birthing From Within doula and educator certification programs taught in workshops by England herself at various sites around the world.

According to England, there are seven beliefs of women who "birth from within":

Pregnancy and birth is a rite of passage, not a medical event (even when birthing in a hospital).

Connecting with other mothers and women for support and guidance is an essential part of preparation for birth and mothering.

The power to birth comes from within them, from their strong bodies and their commitment to do whatever it takes to birth their child.

Primitive self-expression, including making noise and losing control, are a natural part of birth (and "looking good" isn't).

Protecting their birth space so that it is conducive to birth (quiet, dimly lit, warm and private) is critically important to how their birth will unfold.

For Western women, birthing from within requires preparation and practice during pregnancy.

Teresa Howard, a doula and childbirth educator in Atlanta, Ga., says that Birthing From Within classes are like nothing she has ever seen. "It is a time of laughter and tears, self-exploration and creative self-expression," she says. "The pain-coping techniques are wonderful. The examination of fears to prepare for your birthplace is phenomenal! It is great to see secrets unlocked and assumptions dismissed and exploration to take place."

Birthing From Within classes utilize many unique strategies to help women give birth using their own emotional, spiritual and physical power. One of the most notable strategies is the construction and interpretation of birth art.

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