Birth Matters Harrisonburg was formerly Harrisonburg Advocates for the Midwives Model of Care. HAMMOC was formed in 1999 in an effort to promote this woman-centered approach to care. We were a group of women who recognized pregnancy and childbirth as normal life processes.

Our goals were to share information, to offer support, and to affirm the rights of women and families to make informed choices throughout the childbearing cycle. Through our nonjudgmental support, friendship, and sharing of resources, our hope was to empower one another in our decision-making.

Our events included picnic celebrations on the International Day of the Midwife (May 5), informational meetings, Movie Nights, and the creation of a monthly Birth Circle. We were supported, challenged, and inspired by other Virginia birth groups, and in 2006, we were pleased to be part of the statewide merger of these groups.