Natural Childbirth Directory

Subcategories Natural Pregnancy Natural Birth Find a Midwife Find a Doula Find a Childbirth Educator Natural Parenting

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did you make this directory?

It is difficult to find an independent childbirth professional on the web. Search engines have been saturated by articles about doulas and website businesses that may offer a few names of doulas, but is in no way a complete list. As I began to get inquiries from the readers of my website about doulas and childbirth classes in their areas, I realized that as difficult as it was for me to find a professional, it was even more difficult for the expectant family that didn't know other keywords they could use to search.

Further complicating the process was the fact that many CBE (Childbirth educator) and Doula websites have been designed by doulas and CBE's, not web professionals. The websites provide the necessary information, but don't rate high enough in relevancy for search engines to pick up. I believe this problem will only get worse as the search engines move to paid inclusion programs. The entire Birthing Naturally website is built for the purpose of making it easy for families to find the information they need. Although I am not a web professional, I work hard to try to format the website in such a way that it is easy to locate on search engines.

I felt there was a need for a as comprehensive as possible list of natural childbirth professionals that would be easy to find. I do not rely on childbirth professionals finding me. I have spent over 300 hours collecting websites for this directory, and periodically continue to search for more.

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How are sites for this directory chosen?

Most of the sites are the result of my surfing the web to find information. They represent what I believe to be the best sites on topics. My definition of a "best site" is one that gives me lots of information in an easy to read fashion without a bunch of images or advertising distracting me. In short, they are sites that I recommend be read. As such, any site giving information about a specific childbirth professional is listed.

You will notice that I have chosen not to link to some of the more popular information sources (such as ivillage, babyzone, about.com). This is an intentional move for two reasons. First and most importantly, these sites are very easy to find in the search engines so most parents have already been there. If the directory were loaded with the popular sites they have already seen, they would go somewhere else to search (I do this myself when I find a new site). Secondly, this directory is intended to help women find information about natural birth. Many of the popular sites give inaccurate or unsupportive articles about unmedicated and home birth issues. If a reader comes to me to look for suggestions, these are not places I would send them.

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What is the basic organization of the directory?

The directory is built from the general to the specific. For example, childbirth is a general topic. Within that topic are many subcategories such as birth stories. The large volume of birth stories available on the web makes it possible to break down the topic even more into categories like waterbirth, homebirth, complications, etc. As the directory grows, sections that become too large to easily scan through and choose pages will be broken down into subcategories.

I chose to use this organizational style because it is the format used by zeal.com and the open directory project (two directories that are used by many search sites). Therefore it is familiar to readers.

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What are "Guides and Directories?"

This is the term used by web directories for sites that offer lists of information. This may be in the form of a list of websites, or a directory of pages on a specific topic (such as a month by month guide to pregnancy).

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How many people use this directory?

Currently, the entire Birthing Naturally website (including the directory) has about 200,000 page views a month, and it is in a growing trend. About 500 readers a month enter through the main page of the directory; many more enter through topical pages found through search engines.

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What new information do you have planned to add?

The entire website is undergoing an update, and the directory is receiving its share of the attention. The Pregnancy and Parenting sections have been improved, and the linking to appropriate pages on the Birthing Naturally website have been added.

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Can I suggest a topic?

I always welcome reader feedback and would be glad to know what other types of information would be valuable to you. Just use the feedback form from any page on the directory and share your comments.

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The doula or CBE I found is no longer taking clients.

Please use the feedback form so I can remove her from the directory.

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I want to suggest several sites, do I have to submit them individually?

No. If you want to suggest a group of sites please e-mail them to me.

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Why would you decline to add a site?

The primary reason for declining a site would be lack of useful content. For example, many sites offer a list of comfort measures for labor, but there is no explanation of when or how to use them in labor. In this example information is not useful. Another example would be an online store which offers products for sale but no real information.

Recently with the increase in spam submissions, the main reason for rejecting a site has become lack of relevance. If the site is not about pregnancy, childbirth or parenting, it isn’t added.

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Do I have to link to the directory to be in the directory?

I don't deal with anyone who tells me what to put on my site, and I won't tell anyone what to put on their site. You do not need to link to the directory to be in the directory.

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Then why do you provide linking information?

Links to the directory help the readers in two ways. First, it provides the directory as a resource for readers who are already seeking childbirth information. Second, linking and the quality of links to a site are important factors search engines use to determine placement in search results. More links to the directory make it easier to find in search engines.

A link to the directory can help a website too. First, it can compliment the content (text) of sites that are built on a free web service that doesn't provide a lot of space; site owners who are not comfortable with their HTML skills; those that do not want to have lists of links on their pages; and those who do not have the time to spend looking for quality links. Secondly, as the "ranking" or importance of the directory goes up with links, the "ranking" of all the sites listed in the directory improves.

Third, many people consider it proper etiquette to return links because of the value they add to the site. The "value" is the improved importance of the site, and the traffic generated from the link. These people want linking information, and so it is provided for them.

Finally, my hope is that you will link to the directory. To me, a link means that the site is valuable. It means that the users of the site are recommending it to their readers because it meets a need. It's a virtual "pat on the back" or "well done," and is therefore appreciated.

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How do you keep the directory current?

I run a program that checks the links on the entire site for me. It lets me know when an external link has died (is no longer functioning). This is not fool-proof however, as some hosting services will display a "site for sale" sign instead of an error message and this can confuse the link check program. Feedback from users will be valuable.

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Please note: The directory is provided in an attempt to help you locate childbirth professionals who are trained to assist you in planning for a natural birth. Listing in the Natural Childbirth Directory does not indicate that professionals and sites only offer natural childbirth services.