Welcome to the Winter 2025 issue.
Childbirth is one of those profound mysteries that defy full definition. It straddles the physical and the metaphysical, the ordinary and the extraordinary. Its depth is its power, and that power should belong to the family embarking on their journey together. Yet, for generations, modern culture has distanced families from the intrinsic empowerment of birth. Through fear—much of it unnecessarily “induced” by cultural and institutional forces—birth has been reframed as something to be “delivered” by professionals who will “do” the necessary work for us.
Much of our fear-susceptibility around birth stems from the uncertainty of birth itself. It is, after all, wild, mysterious, and unpredictable. But birth is also deeply grounded in normal physiology, offering us an invitation to physically and actively integrate with it, not just philosophically, but pragmatically. For decades, families have been encouraged to trust that birth is “natural.” Now, we are being called to go further, to build our trust through conscious preparation and the integration of pragmatic, body-centered skills. These skills are not only tools for labor but pathways to confidence, coherence, and empowerment for the new family.
After every birth, there are stories. Stories about what happened, who was there, and how we felt. Questions like, “Was there pain?” or “What was the outcome?” shape how we reflect on these life-changing moments. Now, a new set of questions are being revealed that could define the next generation of birthing families: What did you do to prepare? What skills did you learn? How did you use those skills, and where did you find a greater need to adapt? Did you discover new techniques or methods that worked for you? Can you teach me what you learned?”
These questions represent a profound shift in the way we view birth. It’s not just an event that happens, it is an experience to actively engage with, one where skills, preparation, and adaptability create a new narrative. Birth becomes a collaborative process, one where each family finds their rhythm and power, contributing their unique wisdom to a collective legacy of empowered birthing.
This issue celebrates the principles of this emerging movement—one rooted in preparation, connection, and physiological integration. We owe much of this movement to chiropractic and midwifery, which have long championed a family-centered approach to birth. Together, they have shown us what is possible when we honor the natural wisdom of the body while empowering families with the tools and knowledge to embrace the journey of childbirth.
Now it’s time for families to carry on the torch. Then, new horizons will unfold for us all.
We are excited to bring you this issue and invite you to explore how this new vision of childbirth can inspire your family’s early start to life.
Pathways Connect Resource Guide Topics