In the process of establishing a birth plan in the ’80s in the US and Europe, an effort was made to make women aware of their choices during labor. It took about 50 years—two whole generations—until women started to face the medical interventions while exploring their own possibilities during childbirth. The formally written birth plan was introduced in the 1980s as part of childbirth preparation to help women avoid escalating interventions (Lothian 2006).

 Read more…. Birth Plan: Does the Path Still Fit the Objective? Do the Means Still Fulfill the Purpose?

She was almost 4 years old when she asked about what her birth was like. She was intrigued to hear about the whole process. I told her how, toward the end, even though we had prayed, talked to her, and tried so many things, Anaiyah just didn’t want to come out! Every night, when she was quite “overdue,” big sister would talk to her and ask her to come out because we were excited to see her.

 Read more…. The Little Midwife: 11 Key Observations about What it Takes to be a Midwife

The third stage of labor consists of two phases: 1) separation of the placenta and 2) its delivery. Of the three stages of labor, the third stage of labor is usually the shortest and the easiest, especially if it is not rushed. The third stage is important because it is a primary factor in determining whether postpartum hemorrhage will occur.

 Read more…. Third Stage of Labor

Anna held her jewel of a son in her arms. A halo seemed to surround them as she beamed her love into his face, cradling him like a Mother Mary. It was her third birth but first homebirth. We were village midwives back then, some 40+ years ago now.

 Read more…. Birth of the First Mother

Names have been changed to protect the real people involved.
My travelling midwife days began in South Africa. South Africa is a vast country and often families who live on farms wanted to remain in their homes to birth their babies. I would drive for up to six hours and sometimes longer to arrive at their homes.

 Read more…. A Travelling Midwife: Four Births

Tricks of the Trade – Issue 145

 Read more…. Tricks of the Trade – Issue 145

Wisdom of the Midwives – Issue 145

 Read more…. Wisdom of the Midwives: Education

Poetry – Issue 145

 Read more…. Poem: The Apprentice Becomes a Midwife