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Faithful Birthing Framework™

The PEACE™ Principles

Protecting Physiologic Birth Through Evidence-Based Care

The PEACE™ Principles are a practical guide to supporting the normal physiology of labor and birth while making informed decisions when choices arise. They are not a guarantee of any particular outcome. Rather, they are evidence-based practices that may help reduce unnecessary interventions and support a healthy birth process when appropriate.  

Natural home water birth husband and wif

The Acronym

What Does PEACE™ Stand For?

P — Physiologic Labor.
E - Evidence Based Decisions. 
A - Avoid Unnecessary Interventions. 
C - Continuous Support.
E - Empowered Choices.

Each Principle

The PEACE™ Principles in Detail

P — Physiologic Labor

Birth works best when mothers feel safe, supported, and free to respond to their bodies.  Protecting physiologic labor means creating an environment that encourages the natural release of oxytocin—the hormone that powers contractions, supports bonding, and helps reduce bleeding after birth.

This may include:

  • Delaying hospital admission during early labor when appropriate. 

  • Maintaining freedom of movement.

  • Laboring in positions that feel comfortable.

  • Preserving a calm, supportive environment.

  • Limiting unnecessary interruptions.

What This Means for You

You do not have to force labor to progress. Many families find that supporting the body's natural processes allows labor to unfold more effectively than constantly trying to "manage" it. 

E — Evidence-Based Decisions

Every intervention has potential benefits, risks, and alternatives.  Evidence-based decision-making means understanding your options and making choices that align with your values, circumstances, and goals.

This may include discussions about:

  • Artificial rupture of membranes (amniotomy).

  • Labor augmentation.

  • Continuous versus intermittent fetal monitoring.

  • Induction methods.

  • Pain management options.

What This Means for You

Knowledge reduces fear. When you understand the reasons behind recommendations, you are better equipped to participate confidently in decisions regarding your care.  

A — Active Movement

Movement is one of the most effective tools available during labor. It is not something extra; it is one of the ways many women naturally work with labor.  

Changing positions can help:

  • Encourage fetal rotation and descent.

  • Improve comfort.

  • Utilize gravity.

  • Support labor progress.

  • Increase maternal confidence.

What This Means for You

Avoid unnecessary interventions with active movement. 

Changing positions can help:

  • Walking.

  • Standing.

  • Lunging.

  • Hands-and-knees.

  • Birth ball positions.

  • Side-lying rest.

C — Continuous Support

Research has consistently shown that continuous labor support is associated with improved birth outcomes and increased maternal satisfaction.  

Continuous support may come from:

  • A husband.

  • A doula.

  • A trusted family member.

  • A supportive care team.

What This Means for You

No woman was designed to labor completely alone. Steady, compassionate support can make a meaningful difference throughout labor and birth.  

Research has shown: Continuous labor support is associated with lower cesarean rates, shorter labors, decreased use of pain medication, and higher satisfaction with the birth experience.  

Support can include:

  • Encouragement.

  • Comfort measures.

  • Prayer.

  • Physical assistance.

  • Information and reassurance.

Key References:

  • Bohren et al., 2017.

  • McGrath & Kennell, 2008.

  • Gilliland, 2010.

E — Empowered Choices

Empowered choices are informed choices.  

Rather than feeling rushed, pressured, or uncertain, families can approach birth knowing they have the ability to ask questions, understand options, and participate actively in their care.  

A helpful framework is (BRAIN):

  • B — What are the Benefits?

  • R — What are the Risks?

  • A — What are the Alternatives?

  • I — What does my Intuition tell me?

  • N — What happens if we do Nothing right now?  

What This Means for You

Confidence does not come from controlling birth. Confidence comes from understanding your options and making decisions with clarity, peace, and purpose.  

Explore the Topics

The PEACET™ Principles in Practice

First Stage Labor

  • Protect physiologic labor.

  • Evidence-based decisions.

  • Active movement.

  • Continuous support.

Second Stage Labor

  • Maternal preferred positions.

  • Warm perineal compresses when appropriate.  

  • Ongoing support and encouragement.  

  • Respect for physiologic pushing.

Third Stage & Immediate Postpartum

  • Early skin-to-skin contact.  

  • Delayed cord clamping when appropriate.  

  • Early breastfeeding initiation. 

  • Support for healthy uterine tone and postpartum recovery.

Within the Framework

Faith-Focused Encouragement

Birth is not simply about reaching the finish line. It is an opportunity to walk forward with confidence, wisdom, and trust in the One who designed both mother and baby.  

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You." - Isaiah 26:3.  

The goal of the PEACE™ Principles is not perfection. The goal is helping families approach birth with greater confidence, peace, and purpose.  

Ready to Prepare for Birth Together?

Faith-based, evidence-informed support for families in Oklahoma City and surrounding communities.

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