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Motorcycles, art and ecstasy inform this touching trio of birth stories.
Contributing editor Sister MorningStar recounts the magical, sacred home waterbirth of her newest grandchild, Sophie. Read more…. Welcoming Sophie
A nice couple, organic farmers whom I had met the previous year, were pregnant and seeing my friend Lori,for their care as they planned their homebirth. This very healthy Jewish couple was looking forward to the birth of their first baby.
Sadly, when the mom was 34 weeks and four days, the mother felt that something was not right. Lori stopped by their home to listen and could not hear the baby’s heartbeat. She called me from the road as she drove to the hospital, ultimately for confirmation of the baby’s death.
Being prepared for a stillbirth can make all the difference in the care a midwife provides to a family during this emotional birth process. Part of a special series, this article offers midwives practical tools and resources for support when midwifing a stillbirth. Read more…. Stillbirth—A Journey in Birth
Stories from Midwifery Today Readers
Read more…. Beautiful Beginnings: Short Birth Stories from Midwifery Today Readers
Attendees dance to marimba music by Jenaguru Full Moon Marimba at the Eugene 2011 Midwifery Today conference.
Photo by Robin Gray-Reed
In this poetic article, the author uncovers the grace and gratitude present in a moment shared amongst midwives, dancing their stories.
Personal sharing through story is often discouraged in the medical professions, but a good story, well-told, can enrich the relationship between birth professionals and their clients.
The author’s mother-in-law Bara Cvarak, with grandchildren Rick and Danica Cvarak
Photo provided author
The roles of grandma and the postpartum doula are often ill-defined, and can be challenging to balance with the immediate needs of a new mom and baby. Author Vicky York discovers that with a little effort and patience, doulas and grandmas can work together. After all, there’s nothing quite like grandma’s love.
Read more…. Accepting Love without Perfection: The Roles of Grandmothers and Postpartum Doulas
Photo provided by the author
Take a trip to 19th century Ireland, where the village midwife was truly a “Jill of all trades.”
Jan Tritten reflects on second stage complications and the midwife’s role. Sometimes patient waiting, tempered with wisdom of when, and how, to act is the safest, healthiest way to bring new life into the world. Read more…. Waiting Can Be So Hard
Photo provided by the author
Starting in her native Mexico and ending up in London, England, doula and mama Indira Lopez-Bassols birthed three children—and herself—through a transformative birth journey.
Read more…. Three Stories, Two Continents, One Birth Journey
During the past 18 years, my apprenticeship with birth has challenged me to redefine my concept of boundaries, trust, fear and responsibility. Today, if I could make one statement about building a birthing community it would be this—build on what you know and believe is sacred. Read more…. Building Sacred Traditions in Birth
