I found out I was pregnant in June of ’94 and suddenly everything was different for me. It was as if I had a gun to my head; I had to get better RIGHT NOW. I was convinced that if I didn’t I was going to be the worst mother on the planet. – from Shakta’s story Read more…. Listening to Survivor Moms
One of my most important roles in my midwifery life is that of encourager. My desire is that you carry out the dreams given to you – and I know you have them. I delight in telling about people carrying out their dreams as a way, hopefully, to inspire you. Read more…. Birth Change
Photo by Luis Galvez
Frequent Midwifery Today contributor, Piper Martin, discusses the effect of sexual abuse on pregnancy and birth and suggests some homeopathic treatments.
Read more…. Sexual Abuse and Pregnancy—A Homeopath’s Perspective
Photo by Tim Marshall
I was fortunate to be part of a conversation on networks at a Midwifery Today conference and wanted to elaborate on some of the discussion. When we initially began discussing networks, people were very excited and enthused; several people in the group had started successful birth networks for women in their communities.
Read more…. Midwifery Model of Care—Phase II: Networks in the Birth Community
Photo by Robina Weermeijer
Dystocia has not only physical causes, but emotional and psychological ones. This article identifies those causes and suggests some strategies that women and their carers can use to avoid or minimize this problem.
Photo by Jenna Norman
One of the authors of the pathbreaking book, When Survivors Give Birth: Understanding and Healing the Effects of Early Sexual Abuse on Childbearing Women, describes many of the ways early abuse or trauma may negatively affect the survivors’ later experiences with childbearing and offers some tips for midwives for providing sensitive and effective care and support. Read more…. Early Trauma, Its Potential Impact on the Childbearing Woman, and the Role of the Midwife
Photo by Maxime Caron
One of the authors of the new Motherbaby Press Book, Survivor Moms: Women’s Narratives of Birthing, Mothering and Healing after Sexual Abuse, provides a snapshot of types of trauma exposures reported by first-time mothers in the Midwest and how they relate to risk of PTSD.
Midwives work with a vast array of interesting, creative, amazing and thought-provoking women; it’s one gift of our work. We were drawn to the work to serve, support and be with childbearing women. Consequently, when we find ourselves inclined to ignore, admonish or run away from a particular client, we may experience conflicted feelings of guilt and inadequacy. In the worst circumstances we may develop a belief that the client is an adversary instead of a sincere person seeking our assistance.
Read more…. Determining Relational Needs in Challenging Clients
Midwifery Today Issue 85
Spring 2008 Technology: Stemming the Tide What interventions are on the horizon in obstetrical care? What does the research tell us about those interventions that are being used more frequently? What can midwives do to help women have normal births? Buy This Issue Columns Poem: Red Raspberries—Janice Marsh-Prelesnik Editorial: Technology: Stemming the Tide—Jan Tritten Technology… Read more…. Issue 85
Midwifery Today Issue 90
Summer 2009 Theme: Healing From Sexual Abuse and Trauma Trauma and abuse can occur at any time in life, both before and during pregnancy. This issue addresses a number of issues including fathers who were abused, how midwives can help women heal from trauma and abuse, how childbirth can have a traumatizing effect on women… Read more…. Issue 90
When seeking help, you may be told that you are experiencing the baby blues or PPD, either of which may be present with PTSD. However, along with the typical weepiness, anxiety and depression of PPD, key symptoms of PTSD include insomnia, irritability and angry outbursts, panic attacks, nightmares… Read more…. Healing the Trauma: Entering Motherhood with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
