My Philosophy

I see pregnancy as a state of health and childbirth as a normal, natural, physiologic event. They are, however, events we experience seldom in our lives. So, we benefit from surrounding ourselves with knowledgeable, compassionate guides.

I believe that childbirth is a peak experience in a woman's life, but that it should not be isolated from the other aspects of her life. Women benefit when they are empowered to integrate their experience of childbirth into the narrative of their lives. We all bring a wealth of life experience into the birth process, and everything from the relaxation techniques we learn to the decision making style we adopt can become a part of how we live the rest of our lives.

I believe that we all have the right and the responsibility to educate ourselves about our health and our health care. The tools for making informed decisions are ones we can all learn to use. Their usefulness extends well beyond the limits of making health care decisions.

I support women in creating their own definition of the ideal birth experience. I also support women in creating their own definition of family. Every woman has the right to decide who will support her during childbirth, and who (if anyone) will parent with her. My practice therefore welcomes women in any relationship structure.

We have a secret in our culture, and it's not that birth is painful. It's that women are strong. --- Laura Stavoe Harm

Who am I?

My name is Rean Cross. (Rean is pronounced "REE-an" to rhyme with "Ian".) I've been involved in birthwork and women's health since 1988. I have taught prenatal classes in Vancouver with the Greater Vancouver Childbirth Education Association and in Ottawa with the Ottawa-Hull Childbirth Education Association, where I also trained with the ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association).

I have formal training as a Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula through DONA. I have a range of experiences with breastfeeding, including training through INFACT Canada and CAPPA.

I am currently working towards Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator certification through Childbirth International, as well as Lactation Educator certification through CAPPA.

I am the mother of three young adults.

Lucina supports and adheres to the World Health Organisation's International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. I endorse the CIMS Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative.

Memberships & Affiliations:

• Childbirth International
• CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association)
• DONA (Doulas of North America)