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Photo by Liv Bruce
Wisdom of the Midwives, Issue 141
Photos provided by author
After more than 40 years as a massage therapist, I am still awed by the secrets and hidden truths within the human body. According to the ancient principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body tells us everything and it’s up to us to read these clues and use this information for healing purposes. Read more…. Body Secrets Revealed
Photo by Ana Tablas
Modern women are faced with an inordinate amount of pressure when preparing to give birth. Because the culture we live in does not value the greater spiritual relevance of childbirth, the people and systems set up to assist us during the process can quickly disrupt the natural unfurling of this sacred initiation. Due to our collective and individual ignorance about the gravity of initiations like childbirth, we end up inadvertently giving our power away to others.
Photo provided by author
Avery Judith Warren was born at home into pure love. Her birth was a magical home VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). But in order to express the impact her birth had on me, I must include the birth of my son, Mason.
Photo by Kristine Cinate
Momnibus derives its name from omnibus where a number of bills, usually about the same topic, are packaged together into one large bill. The California Momnibus Act is designed, among other things, to collect and study data around infant and maternal mortality and to help reduce maternal and infant mortality, especially among Black and Indigenous women.
Read more…. Let There Be Life! Momnibus and the Birth Revolution
Midwifery Today, Issue 141, Spring 2022.Join Midwifery Today Online MembershipUsing Traditional RemediesSkullcap for elevated blood pressure. One dropperful initially, repeat in an hour if still elevated.—Marielle TomlinAngelica tincture to help the placenta release. One dropperful by mouth. Takes five minutes to work.—Carolyn GreenfieldApple cider vinegar.—Susan DiNataleHoney. It is a miraculous food and healer. I keep Manuka honey for cuts. I had an accident on my horse and he stepped on my leg. I was in wound care for over six months and they used medical grade Manuka honey on the open wound. I have used it on myself, my horse, and other critters. When you sit down, put some in your tea. I have had women just swallow a spoonful for a sore throat. It’s great stuff.—Vicki Gilbert ZiemerHerbal (sitz) bath for all. I carry tinctures such as shepherd’s purse, Placenta Ease, Angelica, cotton root, raspberry leaf. Also, Rescue Remedy, essential oils (especially peppermint), arnica, a massage blend, and Yunnan Baiyao.—Sabrina Simmons FerrageI rarely use anything, as women’s bodies know best. However, I have suggested shiatsu, acupuncture, essential oils, and homeopathy for those few cases where some extra help is needed.—Imma SarriesCuachalalate tea for kidney and urinary tract infections. SEA-90 for premature labor. Arrowroot for eclampsia. Witch hazel tincture for postpartum hemorrhage.—Gwendolyn PoseyCatnip and fennel tincture. Helps for stomach cramps and flu.—Tracy PembertonSlow PlacentasRemember, classical midwifery is about prevention. Before the second stage, make sure her bladder has been emptied within the hour or so. A full bladder can inhibit the descent of the placenta and even cause hemorrhage. Then I use a dropperful of Angelica root and mistletoe tinctures, and gravity. If that doesn’t do it and she’s not bleeding profusely, I either wait or investigate why it’s not coming. Don a sterile glove, follow the cord up, and… Read more…. Tricks of the Trade – Issue 141
Photo by Liane Metzler
Poem by Peter Waldor
Photo by Aditya Romansa
One afternoon on my way home from a prenatal visit, I received a message from a doula friend of mine. She had a close friend who had been planning an in-hospital VBAC after two cesareans, and her Ob/Gyn informed her at 36 weeks that they were no longer willing to do a VBAC (no reason given) and that she should schedule a cesarean with them immediately. My doula friend explained that the family had been trying for two weeks to find a midwife who would assist with a homebirth on such short notice and had no luck. At this point they were planning to birth at home unattended, though that was not their first choice. Would I talk to them? Of course I would.
Photo by Minnie Zhou
Wisdom of the Midwives – Issue 140
Photo by Liv Bruce
So many women go into their birth experience with fear, rather than believing in the strength of their bodies or the matter-of-factness of birth. Jan and Harriette illustrate this changed view of women’s bodies with an example seen at an art showing. Read more…. From the Editor: Birth Evangelism
Tricks of the Trade – Issue 140
Photo by Hu Chen
The maternal and neonatal mortality rates in the US are disgraceful. Diana Paul discusses some of the factors that have led to this current situation and how we could learn from the British on improving it.
