Illustration by Gerd Altmann
For the One, For the Many
Editor Jan Tritten shares thoughts about the uphill battle to respect birth, women, and babies and what keeps her moving forward in this quest. Read more…. For the One, For the Many
Jan Tritten
Photo by Jernej Graj
Trauma in Birth
Editor Jan Tritten shares her story of birth trauma and using it to keep her passion alive. Read more…. Trauma in Birth
Call the Midwife
Most of you probably read the trilogy Call the Midwife years ago. I am a little late, but I just finished all three books. The stories of people, mostly from the East End of London, seem more unreal than fiction, yet they are all true, according to the author, Jennifer Worth. She writes about the midwifery services, mostly homebirths, provided by the nuns at Nonnatus House for 99 years—from the 19th and through most of the 20th century. Read more…. Call the Midwife
Photo by Javier Allegue Barros
Let’s Move Birth in the Right Direction
Complications are why we need midwives. If birth were completely normal all the time we midwives would not be needed—but, indeed, we are needed. It is so important that we all learn and gather the necessary skills and didactic and emotional knowledge we can before we take responsibility for a mother and baby. One of the great keys to a good birth outcome is knowing when and how to act and to do so quickly. Otherwise, we can keep hands off and be the quiet midwife in the corner—unobtrusive and loving. We need to be careful not to disturb the process. Read more…. Let’s Move Birth in the Right Direction
Advocating for Birth Change
The most important event in many women’s lives is giving birth. It is so pivotal that most moms can remember it in great detail their entire life. I met a woman in Japan who was in her 80s and could recount every detail of her birth. Her father-in-law had been her support person. Read more…. Advocating for Birth Change
Lovely Labor
Every woman is different and every labor is different. In this editorial, Jan shares some of the ways labor can be experienced by different women. Read more…. Lovely Labor
The Doula’s Role
I believe that doulas need to have some preparation for handling emergency clinical situations: not to take them on, but to be ready in case of an emergency. This is a somewhat unpopular view. However, doulas can never know what kind of situation they may find themselves in. For example, you may be the first to arrive at a homebirth, when the midwife gets a flat tire or, for some other reason, does not arrive in time for the birth. Read more…. The Doula’s Role
Prenatal Care
Continuity of carer is key to a normal, physiological, and empowered birth. Midwifery is about relationship which develops in the course of prenatal care. Read more…. Prenatal Care
Photo by istockphoto.com/portfolio/RomoloTavani
There’s No Place like Home
Our developing insights into the microbiome have the potential to change everything regarding homebirth for moms—if we can get the word out about its importance to a healthy life. We will need to work on this from all spheres of influence. Read more…. There’s No Place like Home
Midwifery Is Standing on Holy Ground
When we help a mother bring forth her baby onto this earth it will resound in the world forever. Read more…. Midwifery Is Standing on Holy Ground
Fijian co-organizers Chandra Dayal, Filomeno Dokoni, Ratu Luke, Albert Mclaren and Sala Matiavi
Reflecting on Fiji
Reflecting on Fiji: Highlights from the Midwifery Today Conference by Jan Tritten. Complete with the prime minister of Fiji’s opening speech, Jan shares some of the highlights from a truly inspiring conference in the South Seas. Read more…. Reflecting on Fiji
Birth Is a Human Rights Issue
It is important to realize that the health of the mother and baby are deeply dependent on what happens in pregnancy, birth and in the hours and months after birth. These are life-altering days often referred to as the childbearing year. Read more…. Birth Is a Human Rights Issue
