Maslows Heirarchy of Needs-Self Actualization

5. Self-Actualization

This deals with finally reaching our full potential. This is how we find meaning in our lives.

This is hopefully the end point of our work with women in labor.  I would hope this is something that all women could find regardless of their choices.  Notice this is so much more than a healthy baby and mom, which seems to be the end point for most medical practitioners.  Of course this is important, that's why safety and physiological needs are at the bottom of the pyramid.  They are the base, but also notice that there is much more at the top.  In all reality, the minimum we should be providing is safety and physiological needs.  To truly come away from an experience in life having reached this upper level, all other levels of needs must be met.