Breaking Up with the Traditional, Partner-Focused Birth Method

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Hi there – I’m Staci Berrey, owner and operator of Labor of Love Birth & Postpartum in Orange County, CA. I am a childbirth educator, birth & postpartum doula, lactation counselor, and passionate advocate for women’s experiences in birth and postpartum.

I have been working in the birth field for nearly 13 years. During that time, Labor of Love Birth Services has had the privilege of supporting over 1,000's families through pregnancy and postpartum.

I began this work because I felt that many birthing people were missing opportunities for a deeply connected birth experience. I believe that with more preparation, support, and understanding, families can have a more positive, memorable, and empowered birth journey.

13 years ago, I became affiliated with an organization I believed provided valuable information to support families’ birth experiences. I taught a traditional, partner-focused birth Method for 5 years and shared their program widely throughout Orange County, CA. Many of my clients associate me with this method. I believe strongly that childbirth education is one of the best ways to prepare for birth. Over time, however, I came to feel that some of the messaging in this Method did not align with my values or the inclusive approach I want to provide. The more families I supported, the more I realized that I could no longer personally or professionally affiliate with this organization.

In my opinion, this Method promotes a “one-size-fits-all” approach to birth. For instance, instructors were required to log student birth outcomes, including whether births were unmedicated, medicated, or cesarean. While this may have been intended for data collection, it never sat right with me. My students’ experiences are deeply meaningful, and I have always focused on their confidence, preparedness, and well-being rather than the type of birth they had.

The couples I work with become close to me, and I deeply care for them as they navigate one of the most important days of their lives. My hope is not that they have an unmedicated birth, but that they approach birth with joy, confidence, and preparation. That they feel equipped to make choices based on their needs, that their partners feel prepared to support and love them, and that together they welcome their baby with love and connection.

Supporting women during such an intimate and transformative time requires sensitivity and respect for self-care and individual needs. While I was teaching this method, some clients shared that they felt certain language in the materials were not inclusive or supportive. I worked to help families make informed decisions—even when that included choosing pain medication. Because of these concerns, I decided I could no longer associate my name and work with this Method.

In my opinion, such methods like can contribute to a competitive birth culture, where some women may feel guilt or disappointment if their birth doesn’t go as planned or if they make certain choices. Some may feel judged for choosing interventions like epidurals. Hearing clients describe these feelings has been very impactful for me.

As a birth worker, my goal is to help shift the birth narrative. I want every birthing person to feel empowered, even if their birth plan changes. Birth is unpredictable, and it’s impossible to anticipate every situation. That’s why I emphasize positive self-care in labor. My aim is for women to feel loved, respected, and supported, and to make decisions with confidence and autonomy.

Birth is truly not one-size-fits-all!

I LOVE TEACHING CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION!

It is my passion.

Although I no longer teach this Method, I continue to teach childbirth classes. Drawing on my knowledge, experience, and passion, I created my own curriculum: Connected Birth Education. This is the only childbirth curriculum offered at Labor of Love Birth & Postpartum. Its goal is to foster connection to the birth experience and provide families with guidance and support. The course is taught with love, no agenda, and no judgment. It helps families make the best decisions for their bodies and babies, whether that includes unmedicated or medicated birth.

I would love to hear your thoughts as I navigate this transition. In my experience, the Method was inflexibility and doesn't listen to the needs of students. I can no longer affiliate with the method in good conscience.

Much love for your journey!

Staci Berrey

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