Theme: The Role of Story in Birth
A good birth story has the power to inspire, educate and entertain. Yet, the role story plays in birth goes well beyond the telling of our personal tales. Stories and storytelling “are fundamental to the development and maintenance of a woman-centered body of knowledge.” This issue takes you inside the experiences of birthing mothers and dancing midwives, considers the impact of the negative birth story and offers tips for starting your own birth story circle. Clinical articles on intrauterine infections and shoulder dystocia, and a special series on midwifing stillbirths are also included.
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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
