As 2012 approaches, I feel compelled to write to our wonderful, supportive readers. In some ways, the “change” that is coming is still a bit off; and in other ways, it is very much here. I have been doing a lot of reflecting about what this means; in my life personally, professionally and to birth as a whole. I am not one of the naysayers or one of the negative ones…therefore, I believe that there will be significant changes in our world but I do not support any of the “world ending” theories. Like everybody else, I don’t have a clear picture of what’s coming, or what will happen.

What I do know and believe is this. There is and always has been a divide between those who try to live powerfully in their own lives, accepting responsibility and making the best of the path life takes, and those that don’t. The subject of “birth” is no exception; it is often a heated and personal debate no matter what the focus is. If 2012 is anything at all, it will be a magnification of this divide. And this is where we, as powerful birthing women come in!

I’m asking all of our readers, supporters, and birthing women in general to become really clear on what we stand for. Natural birth, home birth, unassisted birth, midwifery care. Let’s bring these causes to the forefront in a positive way and stand together before all the naysayers. Let’s recognize that not every woman will have a natural or empowering birth, but it is about the education and taking responsibility that really matters. Let’s keep our focus on why we choose what we do, while maintaining an open mind for women that make their own educated (but different) choices. I ask that we all get together and make gentle birth and gentle mothering about those things, and not waste our time arguing about why homebirth is safe, for example. The truth is, we can only love. We cannot convince those who do not understand; nor should we entertain what is largely fear. There really is no “right”–there are only opportunities to make women aware of their choices as best we can. It’s in really, really believing that homebirth is not for everyone, even though it may be the best choice we can make for ourselves. But knowing too, that there is no “best” way to birth. There is only where our own heart and minds lead us to be.

That, my sisters, is the real mission of this site and of our mission at Indie Birth. To provide the education and support that women need to know they have a choice; and to provide them with enough of the above so that they too, can make an educated and informed choice. And of course, to have a part in creating the much-needed community for those of us that do choose to go against the grain.

So, in support of the “change” that is very much among us, I ask for your support. This means contributing articles you may have written, birth stories, birth pictures, birth videos. In recognizing that we do not control birth or the outcome, we look forward to receiving contributions that acknowledge this fact as well. We are not about “perfect birth”-only educated mamas that do the best they can, at every turn, for themselves and their babies. We look forward to your poetry, or stories, or ideas in support of this mission. We need and want your help to support not just natural birth, but empowered birth. Show us all the different varieties that comes in–and help us add to the knowledge and experience base in birth that all women look to.

Here are two pages for you to use to submit any information you wish to contribute:

Tell Your Birth Story
Submit Other Information to Indie Birth

I look forward to connecting with you!

In love,
Maryn