Category: Read - Part 2
You are what you think – why mom’s beliefs about birth matter
A mother’s mental and emotional state plays a huge role in how the birth plays out: whether she experiences it as painful, what kinds of interventions take place, and how she shares about the experience with her community. In this piece, childbirth educator Esther Croft shares why the emotional state is so important, and how…
Herbs for Labor XIV: Ginseng Part 2
In this edition of “Herbs for Labor” renowned herbalist Susun Weed continues our journey into the woods to go deeper with Ginseng. This amazing root has been shown to improve stamina, energy, enhanced performance, improved response under stressors, and mental alertness. We are in the woods with Grandmother Growth, who, for all her age, is setting a rapid…
What is the sensitivity trait and how does it change the way some women experience pregnancy?
The Sensory Processing Sensitivity trait is a survival strategy that has evolved in 20% of humans, causing them to process information (stimuli) more thoroughly than others. This trait, if not recognized and tended to, may pose a challenge to some of our clients on the journey through pregnancy and into motherhood. In this piece, Laura Wood,…
Obedience to the White Coat is Not Always What’s Best for Birth
Each culture and country’s challenges around birth vary, but in nearly every pocket of the globe the majority of women are faced with disrespect, coercion, and even abuse during their birthing times. Many families turn to the doctor in the white coat to ensure what has become the only measure of success – a breathing…
Midwives in Bangladesh Help Mothers Not Only Survive, But Thrive
Bangladesh has one of the highest incidences of maternal mortality and obstetric fistula in the world, leaving many Bangladeshi families and communities to suffer life without mothers. HOPE Foundation is a charitable organization based in Bangladesh that offers obstetric fistula repair surgery and is training anew workforce of midwives who will help mothers not only…
Abdominal Massage: A Maya Technique for Balancing a Woman’s Center
In many cultures around the world, ancient healing traditions such as those used to support pregnancy and birth are passed down through generations of shamans. The Maya tradition of abdominal massage is an age-old technique that has become a well-respected method for adjusting and balancing a woman’s uterus, maximizing its ability to function. In this…
Aspects of Women’s Spirituality in Tending to the Dying
As birth workers, we understand the importance of bringing sanctuary, authenticity and open-heartedness to the birth room. We know the importance of holding space for women to come into their full power, and we do it with compassion. As we focus on birth, many of us forget that the same space is useful for supporting…
Midwifery on Ancient Cozumel Island
In ancient times, the now resort-laden island of Cozumel, Mexico served Maya women as a sanctuary, pilgrimage, school of midwifery, weaving and sacred mysteries. In this piece, Rosita Arvigo, naprapathic physician, herbalist, and teacher of Maya medicine, shares her knowledge of this incredible monument to women, fertility and the sacred profession of midwifery, which have…
Meditation for Peaceful Pregnancy and Birth
One thing that helps to ensure a peaceful birth is a calm, focused and fearless mama. But how does mama prepare to maintain her inner strength and serenity during labor and birth? According to Australian midwife Jane Hardwicke Collings, meditation can be a key to her success. In this abridged version of her article Meditation…
Herbs for Labor VIII: Marijuana
In this edition of her Birth Wisdom series called Herbs for Labor renowned herbalist Susun Weed shares her perspective on the controversial topic of marijuana use during labor. According to Susun, Marijuana has the ability to promote relaxation, openness, curiosity, and humor in labor. Birth Wisdom seeks to cover topics such as this from multiple expert…