A Gentle Approach to Birth

For many expectant parents, the idea of giving birth brings both hope and hesitation. Gentle birth has helped countless families rediscover confidence, self-advocacy and connection as they welcome their babies. At the Am-Sino International Birth Center, gentle birth is more than a slogan — it is a philosophy shaping every step of care. Dr. Jennifer Zou, who has supported many families through pregnancy and birth, explains how this approach can transform the experience.

Gentle birth is not a “softened” version of childbirth. Instead, it is a supportive, informed and human-centred approach to helping people birth safely. At its core are two principles:

• Birth is a natural physiological process — every stage has a purpose.

• Parents and babies remain at the centre of every decision — physical comfort, emotional wellbeing and personal preferences guide the care model.

This approach shifts the traditional dynamic of maternity care. Families become active participants rather than passive patients. Through education and open communication, parents understand their choices, feel prepared, and can confidently make decisions that best serve themselves and their babies.

No — gentle birth describes the experience, not the mode of delivery. While the team encourages vaginal birth when safe and appropriate, a cesarean birth can absolutely follow the principles of gentle birth. A Gentle Cesarean prioritises calm communication, respectful care and meaningful involvement of the mother and partner. Parents are guided step-by-step, and practices such as delayed cord clamping, skin-to-skin contact in the operating room, and early breastfeeding initiation are supported. Regardless of circumstances, the goal is the same: to honour autonomy, protect emotional wellbeing and ensure that welcoming a baby remains a positive, connected and empowering moment.

At the Am-Sino International Birth Center, gentle birth is made possible through thoughtful design, seamless teamwork and transparent communication. Four elements shape this experience:

The labour and birth suite is intentionally designed to feel calm and private. Instead of medical bright lights and crowded equipment, the room offers warm lighting, soft décor and personal touches. Parents can play music, use electric candles, bring familiar scents or add items that make them feel comfortable. Many describe the atmosphere as “spa-like,” but the purpose goes deeper: a calm environment helps increase oxytocin and endorphins, supporting the smooth progress of labour.

Many parents fear losing autonomy in labour. Gentle birth reverses this. Mothers have choices in who accompanies them, which positions they prefer, how they use movement or comfort tools, and when to consider various pain-management options. Research consistently shows that when birthing parents feel in control, anxiety decreases and labour unfolds more smoothly.

A doula provides uninterrupted physical, emotional and informational support. They help with breathing, positions, massage and counter-pressure, and guide partners in supporting effectively. Doulas assist in all types of births — unmedicated, epidural and cesarean. At the Am-Sino Birth Center, doula support is not just permitted — it is encouraged and provided!

Confidence grows from clarity. Throughout pregnancy, parents receive stage-appropriate educational materials and ample time to discuss questions during check-ups. By 36 weeks, each mother has a personalised birth plan. Regular classes (both online and in-person) prepare families for labour, birth positions, partner support, inductions, epidurals, cesareans and decision-making. Additional classes on breastfeeding and newborn care ensure support continues beyond birth.

As one mother shared: “Knowing why I was choosing something — and being part of that decision — made me really ‘own’ my birth, even when things didn’t go as I had imagined.”

One of our recent clients stated: “I was seeing a well-recommended obstetrician at a different international hospital, but I had the feeling that I was just another pregnant person, being treated according to a one-size-fits-all medicalised formula. It wasn’t until I visited the Birth Center — saw the space, met the team, and felt the atmosphere — that I realised how truly personalised this process can be. I switched providers that day and never looked back.”

Because it’s hard to understand gentle birth until you’ve experienced it firsthand, we warmly welcome you to visit the Am-Sino International Birth Center, explore our philosophy, and discover how family-centred care is woven into everything we do.