I became a fierce advocate for gentle birth as a solution for the most pressing problems of our times - a solution that begins at the source.

Statistically, the United States rates number 39 in maternal mortality. This means that it is safer to be pregnant and to give birth in 38 other countries than the USA... and less expensive too.

Like my sister, 981 women die every day on Earth from pregnancy and birth-related complications.

After disasters, reproductive healthcare falls by the wayside. Yet babies continue to be born. When all infrastructure falls apart, when the hospitals and all their technological equipment are destroyed, midwives come in handy. They can help women give birth with or without electricity, running water, equipment - even shelter is optional. When babies are ready, they come.

I became a passionate seeker of childbirth knowledge.

My sister and the baby she was carrying died in the United States of America. They died in the country that spends more money on pregnancy and birth technology than any other country in this world.

I became a fierce advocate for gentle birth as a solution for the most pressing problems of our times - a solution that begins at the source.