Supported Birth educates couples to make conscious choices about the birth of their baby based on a combination of technical knowledge, confidence in the natural process of birth, rediscovering and trusting instincts,and many time-proven pain-coping tools and techniques.

Educators continually develop the curriculum by upgrading their own knowledge and keeping current with birth trends. The obstetrical management approach is compared with the midwifery, woman-centered approach, suggesting ways of striving toward a more natural, respectful model for labor and birthing. There is no "one right way" or method, and no judgment on any birth outcome. Supported Birth explores the factors that can influence labor, what are true complications, and when medical intervention is appropriate. However the naturalness, normalcy, femaleness, and primitiveness of birth is emphasized.

Supported Birth wants each woman to know that she already instinctively knows how to give birth, when given the freedom to labor with as much support and as little interference as possible. Supported Birth also believes that a laboring woman needs to feel safe, private, and encouraged in her birth environment, especially if she is hoping to avoid drugs. For those couples who would like additional support, Supported Birth offers low-cost, mid-range, and full price doulas from the Supported Birth Directory.

Birth is the bridge into the major life transition of parenthood, and Supported Birth classes also explore issues facing couples, fathers, and mothers as they confront the challenges of enormous change. Giving birth can be a transformational experience. Supported Birth wants it to be an empowering and positive one.

The Bradley Method of Husband-Coached Childbirth emphasizes the goal of an unmedicated, natural childbirth, and teaches couples that they are "consumers" of medical services, with the right to question medical intervention and to take responsibility for their birth outcome. Classes are based on a 12-point list of endorsements: natural childbirth as the safest way to have a baby (in the absence of medical complications); active participation of husband as coach; excellent nutrition as the foundation for a healthy pregnancy; avoidance of drugs unless absolutely necessary; early classes starting in the 6th month and continuing; relaxation and natural breathing; "tuning-in" to one's body; immediate and continuous contact with newborn; breast feeding; positive communication and consumerism; responsibility for the safety of the birth place and procedures based on education; and preparation for the unexpected.

Lamaze Childbirth Preparation, began in 1957 as a method of training in breathing techniques for "neuromuscular control" and mental concentration to reduce pain in childbirth. Since 1995, Lamaze has officially changed its philosophy and now upholds these principles:

• Birth is normal, natural and healthy.
• The experience of birth profoundly affects women and their families.
• Women's inner wisdom guides them through birth.
• Women's confidence and ability to give birth is either enhanced or diminished by the care provider and place of birth.
• Women have the right to give birth free from routine medical interventions.
• Birth can safely take place in homes, birth centers and hospitals.
• Childbirth education empowers women to make informed choices in health care, to assume responsibility for their health and to trust their inner wisdom.

Lamaze's advocates Six Care Practices for normal birth:

• Labor Begins on Its Own
• Freedom of Movement throughout Labor
• Continuous Emotional and Physical Support
• No Routine Interventions
• Spontaneous Pushing in Upright or Gravity-Neutral Positions
• No Separation of Mother and Baby with Unlimited Opportunities to Breastfeed

Thus Lamaze and Supported Birth share the same beliefs in the normalcy of birth, women's inherent ability to give birth, informed choice, and the benefits of a professional doula. Both explore a variety of ways in which women may find strength and comfort during labor. Instructors will have their own individual approaches and styles when conveying these concepts.