"A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing.  She goes where she will without pretence and arrives at her destination, prepared to be herself, and only herself" Maya Angelou

Birth is the culmination of a creative expression of love, and there is an art to giving birth.  In our culture, many women experience unnecessary distress and pain because we have learned to fear birth and to be focussed on particular outcomes and achievements, rather than to embrace and be transformed by this amazing event.

Birth is an integral and natural part of a woman's life and a powerful initiation into mothering.  It can and should be a safe, comfortable and joyous experience for mother, baby and father/partner.

Birth is not just a means of 'getting baby out' - the experience of birth matters.  The experience of birth can have a profound influence over the well-being of the entire family: the way parents feel about themselves and each other, how they bond with their child, and how their child develops emotionally, values themselves and forms relationships throughout life.

Preparation for a positive birth experience is not just about assimilating information and making choices; the essence is in self-discovery.  Birth is only the beginning - a threshold to the journey of challenge, fulfilment and creativity that is parenting.

Rachel Ford is a mother of three, a birth and parenting mentor, a Certified Doula, Certified Breastfeeding Counsellor, Certified Infant Massage Instructor, Certified Gottman Educator (Bringing Baby Home program) and photographer.  Rachel offers the following services to support Canberra's parents in creating a positive and enriching birth experience, and in maintaining a strong family relationships:

• Birth Mentoring & Education
• Breastfeeding Education & Support
• Labour Support (Doula)
• 'Soulful Mothering' workshops
• Postnatal Support
• Baby Massage Classes
• Photography
• Phone/Skype Coaching and Mentoring: Birth, Parenting, Adjustment to Mamahood, and Parenting Your Relationship After Baby

Be in harmony with nature, your body and your baby