title: Sharing the value of normal birth.
abstract: In this column, the author introduces a special issue of the Journal of Perinatal Education, in which a position paper and six care practice papers, published by Lamaze International and reprinted here with permission, are presented along with accompanying commentary. Together, these papers present evidence in support of the six care practices that promote, protect, and support normal birth.
authors.affiliation: J udith L othian is a childbirth educator in Brooklyn, New York, and the Chair of the Lamaze International Certification Council. She is also an associate professor in the College of Nursing at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, and a regular columnist for The Journal of Perinatal Education.
authors.forename: Judith A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lothian