Active Birth Centre: The Active Birth Centre promotes healthy views of pregnancy and birth. They encourage prenatal exercise and fitness and the use of active labor techniques.

American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth (Bradley Method): The Bradley Method of childbirth includes the use of deep relaxation and breathing with the help of the husband or partner through the labor process. The classes emphasize prenatal nutrition and exercise and their influence on a healthy pregnancy.

American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM): ACNM certifies nurse midwives (CNM) throughout the United States. They focus on the care of low-risk women through pregnancy and birth as well as other time periods of life. Well-woman care is their specialty.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): ACOG is the premier organization for obstetricians and gynecologists. They manage the postmedical school training and certification of this specialty. These physicians are trained in the care of the woman during all stages of life.

The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS): Established in 1996, the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS) is a collaborative effort of numerous individuals and more than fifty organizations representing over 90,000 members. Their mission is to promote a wellness model of maternity care that will improve birth outcomes and substantially reduce costs. Here you will also find a lot of good information on choosing pregnancy practitioners.

Doulas of North America (DONA): DONA is the leading organization that certifies birth and postpartum doulas. A doula can assist the family before, during, or after birth. Using a doula has been shown to decrease the incidence of many complications of labor and postpartum, including cesarean section and postpartum depression.

International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN): ICAN works toward the prevention of unnecessary cesareans and the emotional and physical recovery from cesareans.

International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA): ICEA trains childbirth educators as well as prenatal fitness instructors throughout the world. Their Web site offers a search to help you find local instructors.

Lamaze International: Lamaze International is the leading certifying organization for childbirth educators. Promoting normal birth is the core of their philosophy as they train educators worldwide. Their site offers a directory, articles and other interactive features.

Childbirth Connection: This Web site offers consumer sections including access to the electronic version of the book, A Guide to Effective Care in Pregnancy and Childbirth. It also contains many tools for the consumer to help you choose care that is right for you. It also includes a section on the rights of the childbearing woman.