The Birthkit

Creativity and Birth

Giving birth is a highly creative act, possibly the most creative act we can engage in as women. Experiencing birth can help us tap into and align ourselves with a greater creative power. One way to prepare for birth is to become comfortable with our own creative powers. The more we trust in our creative process, the more open we can be to the creative power of birth. Creativity is about expression; when we give voice to our deepest, innermost selves, we then become comfortable trusting our inner knowing. Read more…. Creativity and Birth

HypnoBirthing: Instinctive Birthing through Relaxation

Birthkeepers of the world are divided on whether pain does or does not have to exist in birth; each of us is firm in our stance that our belief is right. For many the notion of comfortable or even joyful birthing still remains just outside of our grasp. Read more…. HypnoBirthing: Instinctive Birthing through Relaxation

Liberty in Midwifery and Birth

Jan and I were discussing our upcoming conference, titled Liberty in Midwifery and Birth. I realized that I did not fully understand the meaning of liberty, so I looked it up in the dictionary. I was amazed at the correlations between the meaning of liberty and the needs of birthing women. Read more…. Liberty in Midwifery and Birth

Good Dental Care a Must for Moms-to-be

Pregnancy is a time filled with many changes to the body. As midwives and moms know, these changes affect virtually all of the body. One area that may not get the attention it deserves is the teeth and gums. Read more…. Good Dental Care a Must for Moms-to-be

Herbs for Postpartum Perineum Care: Part Two

The author discusses uses of herbs for postpartum perineum care, such as gotu kola, comfrey, horsechestnut, marshmallow and St. John’s Wort. Read more…. Herbs for Postpartum Perineum Care: Part Two

Vegan Pregnancy Diet

Aside from the details of my homebirth of twins, Psalm and Zoya – a vertex son and a footling breech daughter – the questions I get most frequently concern my vegan diet. Many, many women are interested in, even long for, a vegan diet, yet find the idea seemingly impossible to implement. Read more…. Vegan Pregnancy Diet

Herbs for Postpartum Perineum Care: Part One

The author discusses uses of herbs for postpartum perineum care, such as arnica, plantain, calendula, lavender, chickweed, raw honey and aloe vera. Read more…. Herbs for Postpartum Perineum Care: Part One

Massage: Not Just for Mama

Baby massage has been practiced since ancient times. It can be as simple as a gentle rub with lotion after a bath or a more practiced infant massage. The benefits are many for both baby and parent. Read more…. Massage: Not Just for Mama

Mint

Herbs for Mother’s Care Postpartum

Handling postpartum issues naturally gives the mother more control and is generally less invasive then going to a doctor. Make sure the mother knows when to seek additional medical care. Read more…. Herbs for Mother’s Care Postpartum

The Spiritual Roles of a Midwife

Midwives take on many different clinical, energetic, and spiritual roles both before and during birth. The sacred nature of our work requires that we recognize that some of the most important things we do are the least clinical. Read more…. The Spiritual Roles of a Midwife

You Sure Can Tell

Once she was transferred to the postpartum unit, Lori found that most of the nurses were kind, friendly and generally supportive of her desire to exclusively breastfeed her baby. A few of her observations and experiences, however, revealed that some nurses were not so encouraging of breastfeeding. Read more…. You Sure Can Tell

Maturing Midwifery

I have the good fortune to be attending births with younger midwives right now. I see the future of midwifery right before my eyes. These women are smart, alert and have the same vision of care that I do. Read more…. Maturing Midwifery

Skip to content