Midwifery Today Articles

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Why All the Fuss about Twins?

by Michel Odent June 1, 2014

I want to suggest that, in the case of twins, trying to give birth vaginally in an inappropriate environment (e.g., in the presence of a scared doctor or a scared midwife) is a recipe for disaster. We must adapt to our cultural lack of understanding of birth physiology.

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Leilani Rogers—photosbylei.com

Coming to Twins

by Cynthia Caillagh June 1, 2014

Forty-four years ago my calling to midwifery was initiated through women who had been abused, the extent of which created a need for individual birth plans. As a traditional homebirth midwife by training and practice, I have gone on to serve every type of community, focusing primarily on college-educated, back-to-the-land families, as well as Plain and farming communities. While the childbearing landscape has changed over the 3400 births I have witnessed, my devotion to individualized care has never faltered.

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In Memory of Marsden Wagner – A Friend to Midwives, 1930–2014

by Jan Tritten June 1, 2014

The world lost a treasure earlier this year, but his passion and kindness will forever remain in our hearts. This tribute contains memories, stories and thoughts about Marsden from some of his midwife friends. Read more…. In Memory of Marsden Wagner – A Friend to Midwives, 1930–2014

Homebirth and the Microbiome

by Jan Tritten June 1, 2014

…now I am learning that homebirth is even more important than I ever thought it was. New microbiome research is teaching us that how and where we are born is crucial and even life-altering. Our birth literally sets the foundation for our health and well-being or lack of it. Read more…. Homebirth and the Microbiome

Birth and the Human Future

by Marion Toepke McLean June 1, 2014

Earlier this year, I read two of Michel Odent’s books; Birth and Breastfeeding (2008) and Childbirth and the Future of Homo Sapiens (2013). Michel’s writing is very accessible with a conversational style. Over a period of time, I read first one then the other from cover to cover, and the books became my friends. I read for a half-hour with morning coffee and then an hour at bedtime. Read more…. Birth and the Human Future

istockphoto.com/HultonArchive

Catharina Schrader: A Midwife of 18th-Century Friesland

by Jane Beal June 1, 2014

Catharina Schrader, a midwife of Friesland (the northwest region of the Netherlands) practicing in the 1700s, had her doubts about the dignity of her calling. Socially, she was a member of the upper-middle class. She was the daughter of a tailor, yes, but her father served the royal court in Germany. Read more…. Catharina Schrader: A Midwife of 18th-Century Friesland

Hallie Dedrick—halliedphotography.zenfolio.com/blog

Honoring Placenta Wisdom

by Sister MorningStar March 1, 2014

Midwife Sister MorningStar shares her love and admiration of placentas in this beautifully written article. Read more…. Honoring Placenta Wisdom

Routine Active Management of the Third Stage

by Jan Tritten March 1, 2014

Midwifery Today mother Jan Tritten shares her thoughts on the third stage and how it isn’t such a good idea for this part of birth to be routinely managed. Read more…. Routine Active Management of the Third Stage

Anne Hurlbut—annostudios.com

Thoughts on Homebirth Transfer

by Mary Esther Malloy March 1, 2014

I am hiring a birth professional for the care I want. I hope I give birth at home, but I understand that there is a continuum of where I might give birth, home or hospital. What matters to me is that I will have my midwife with me. I think of it more as hiring a person I trust than planning a birth in my home Read more…. Thoughts on Homebirth Transfer

Mercy In Action Midwives Form Disaster Response to Deadly Super Typhoon

by Vicki Penwell March 1, 2014

Midwife Vicki Penwell describes her experience of providing aide with Mercy In Action in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. Read more…. Mercy In Action Midwives Form Disaster Response to Deadly Super Typhoon

Robin Lim (left) supports a laboring mother at the Bumi Sehat clinic

Motherbaby Placenta: State of Emergency

by Robin Lim March 1, 2014

A very emotional and powerful story about the recent Typhoon that ravaged the Philippines and how Robin Lim and her team helped mothers and families in the aftermath. Read more…. Motherbaby Placenta: State of Emergency