Before we were Birth Matters in Charlottesville, we were Informed Birth Options (IBO) of Central Virginia. IBO was formed in 2002 as a result of a group of women recognizing that women in Charlottesville needed more information on birth and options surrounding birth. We have been here ever since offering information, support, and opportunities for women to find the birth that is right for them. In 2005 we joined forces with other groups from around the commonwealth with similar aspirations to create a positive culture of birth in Virginia in which all mothers experience informed and empowering birth, and in which their decisions are supported and respected by their care providers and community. Please join us in making this a reality for Virginia families.

Local Director: Julia Weissman
Julia, a mother of two, became a birth advocate after stumbling upon informed choice at an interview with a homebirth midwife during her first pregnancy. She realized that her ob/gyn was not very interested in engaging her in the process but rather was more committed to following medical protocols. Julia subsequently had a beautiful and transformative birth at home with a midwife.

She took this experience and, after relocating to Charlottesville in 2001, helped establish Informed Birth Options of Central Virginia (IBO), an organization dedicated to educating and sharing information with women to allow them a choice in being fully engaged in the processes of pregnancy and birth.

Julia believes that rather than automatically turning our pregnant bodies over to professionals to make decisions about our birth and babies, that we first consider our own wisdom and understanding. The process of getting educated about birth related health care options allows parents to choose a birth that is meaningful. The benefits of a fulfilling birth experience carry over as conscious and confident parents become more engaged and invested in raising their baby.

In 2006, IBO consolidated forces with several similar organizations in Virginia to become Birth Matters Virginia.