We believe that birth is a normal life event, and that when continuous, complete support is provided, most women can give birth joyfully and with no intervention.

Over the past century, there have been many advances in medical technology that have proven lifesaving for many mothers and their babies. Fetal monitors, medications used to augment and induce labor, vacuum, pain relief and cesareans all have a place in childbirth when used judiciously.

BuffaloBirth wants to emphasize that we are not opposed to care providers who put the individual care of their patients as priority and who partner with expectant parents to scrupulously and wisely make decisions that are in the best interest of the family. Nor are we opposed to the use of interventions for childbirth when they are deemed medically necessary.

Women need to be given the opportunity to labor and birth instinctively, freely, and for as long as they need to. Women and their partners need to be well-informed and well-supported. We want families to be educated about their choices: the risks, the benefits, the alternatives. We want our pregnant and laboring mothers to be recognized and treated as individuals with their own sets of needs, desires and goals. Most importantly, the process of birth needs to be trusted, respected and unhindered.

BuffaloBirth aims to be the voice of a community that wants to help forward the goal of an individualized approach to birth in our hospitals, specifically using the ideals outlined in the Midwife's Model of Care; to promote more options such as helping the Emerald Waters Birth Center become a reality; and create more attainable opportunities for those who wish to birth in the safety and comfort of their own homes.

BuffaloBirth is broken into four main groups: Political Action, Fundraising, Education, and Administration. Each group meets regularly. The head of these groups are our "core team" and founders of BuffaloBirth. They keep everyone involved in their committee up to date and delegate the work that their committee is responsible for.

The job of improving maternal care is a big job and the more people we have helping, the bigger changes we can make. If you are interested in joining a team, visit their page and contact the core team member or come to a meeting.