·       Pregnancy and birth are states of normal health, not illness or medical conditions

·       Midwives model of care

·       Personal care for every mother and baby

·       Independent practitioners working directly for families

·       Natural, drug-free childbirth and breast feeding are safest for most mothers and infants

·       In-home care during and after birth whenever possible

·       Inclusion of mother’s family in care-experience as desired

·       Free exchange of health ideas and information

·       Informed consent

·       Sound nutritional counseling

·       Self-care

·       Parents are the best caretakers/decision makers for their own families

·       Mother to mother, woman to woman support

·       Pregnancy and birth are spiritual rites of passage that should be treated with respect for the unseen process that occurs along with physical changes

·       Continuing education and knowledge of evidence based practices

·       Training midwives for future generations