Choosing a Childbirth Educator
"A lot of women have no idea what they want, in childbirth, before they start classes," says Penny Simkin, a highly respected professional in the field of childbirth and labor support.

Doulas
Traditionally, women helping women during labor has been part of the birthing process.

Drafting a Birth Team
There's probably no time when you need more support then when you are in the midst of labor and childbirth. Physically, you can't do much for yourself but focus on overcoming the latest contraction and finding the most comfortable position.

Modern-day Doulas
As active labor begins to set in, Katie's contractions are becoming longer, stronger and more frequent. Her husband is holding her hand.

Mother-friendly
To receive CIMS designation as "mother-friendly," a hospital, birth center or home birth service must carry out our philosophical principles by fulfilling the 10 Steps of Mother-Friendly Care: A mother-friendly hospital, birth center, or home birth service: 1.

Mother-friendly Childbirth Trends
Penny Simkin has mixed feelings about current, mainstream trends in birth.

Nurse Practitioners and Pregnancy
How do you choose an obstetrician? Most people open the yellow pages and scan through the physician section or they ask their insurance provider for a list of physicians that are included in their plans.

OB or Midwife? Hospital or Birthing Center?
You just found out that you're expecting. It's only natural to feel overwhelmed.

Why Hire a Doula?
Why hire a doula? Simkin has devoted a good deal of her professional life to working as a doula and training others to be doulas.