title: An evolutionary path to deeply understanding the joys of normal birth.
abstract: No matter how much one hears or reads about the desirability of normal birth, it can be difficult to comprehend the feasibility or magnificence of normal birth in a society where it is only rarely seen or experienced. In this column, a nurse describes how a series of "Ah-ha!" experiences shaped her understanding of and appreciation for normal birth.
authors.affiliation: HELEN CALLANS is a registered nurse in a small, holistic birthing center that is affiliated with Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan. In addition, she has taught childbirth education classes and worked in perinatal care for 12 years.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Callans