Issue 58

Building Sacred Traditions in Birth

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

Mamatoto

…there is an inexorable growing and deepening toward a certain eventuality that will forever change everyone involved. When the time is right, an amazing convergence of energies, emotions, and physicalities leads to an array of breathtaking events. Read more…. Mamatoto

Making a Difference: A Blueprint for Harmony

In many traditions, the father has the duty and honor to welcome the newborn to Earth. In these traditions, the first sound and the very first impression that the baby hears is the voice of her father. He will whisper in the left ear of his newborn the most sacred word known. Read more…. Making a Difference: A Blueprint for Harmony

Philippines: In the Night Lorega

Lorega, where this story is located, is a typical inner-city Asian slum where the poorest of the poor live in squatter shacks and hovels, surrounded by three graveyards and a slaughterhouse. Read more…. Philippines: In the Night Lorega

The Doula’s Contribution to Mamatoto

Even as midwives we can underestimate the long-term grace brought through the presence of a doula at a mother’s side. This is a curious blind spot in our maternity care. As a homebirth parent and midwife, I came to this realization slowly, even though I was a doula myself! Read more…. The Doula’s Contribution to Mamatoto

Homeopathic Remedies for Back Labour and Posterior Presentation

Homeopathic remedies are a safe and effective means of treating a woman experiencing back labour. Read more…. Homeopathic Remedies for Back Labour and Posterior Presentation

Papatoto: Homebirth from a Father’s Perspective

As far back as I remember, I assumed I would one day have children. My biggest worry around childbirth was that I wouldn’t be adequately present for my wife Mia during pregnancy and delivery. Read more…. Papatoto: Homebirth from a Father’s Perspective

Birth Odyssey

Nothing is more important than the motherbaby relationship. The experience of growing a little person inside of you, nourished and fed by your own body and blood, is precious. These days we realize that our baby is also nurtured by our heart, mind and spirit. Read more…. Birth Odyssey

Fathers: Those Engrossing First Minutes

Midwives, fathers and mothers all agree that dads should participate in childbirth. They are less clear, however, about why dads should be there. Do fathers really ease birthing for mothers? Is there a moral obligation to accompany mothers on their passage? Read more…. Fathers: Those Engrossing First Minutes

We Two Form a Multitude

One of the most cherished experiences of my own pregnancies was the fact that I was never alone. Someone was with me–within me–all the time. Such a sense of the holy accompanies that shared existence. We two are one; we share everything. Read more…. We Two Form a Multitude

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