Midwifery Today Issue 141

Reclaiming the Initiation of Childbirth

by Isa Gucciardi March 2, 2022

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.

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Photo by Kristine Cinate

Let There Be Life! Momnibus and the Birth Revolution

by Diana Paul February 19, 2022

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.

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Tricks of the Trade – Issue 141

by Editorial February 17, 2022

Midwifery Today, Issue 141, Spring 2022.Join Midwifery Today Online Membership Using Traditional Remedies Skullcap for elevated blood pressure. One dropperful initially, repeat in an hour if still elevated.—Marielle Tomlin Angelica tincture to help the placenta release. One dropperful by mouth. Takes five minutes to work.—Carolyn Greenfield Apple cider vinegar.—Susan DiNatale Honey. 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 Ziemer Herbal (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 Ferrage I 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 Sarries Cuachalalate tea for kidney and urinary tract infections. SEA-90 for premature labor. Arrowroot for eclampsia. Witch hazel tincture for postpartum hemorrhage.—Gwendolyn Posey Catnip and fennel tincture. Helps for stomach cramps and flu.—Tracy Pemberton Slow Placentas Remember, 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… Read more…. Tricks of the Trade – Issue 141

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Photo by Liane Metzler

Midwife vs. Obstetrician

by Peter Waldor February 17, 2022

Poem by Peter Waldor

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Josie’s Triumphant Home VBAC

by Lois Wilson February 13, 2022

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.