Women believe that birth is a dangerous medical event. The fact is that normal birth is safer than many things we do each day without a thought. Read more…. The Ties that Bind – How Belief Creates Birth Realities
Since founding Midwifery Today magazine in 1986, I have had an interest in international midwifery. I have always had the feeling that the keys to helping and understanding the birth process would be found all over this marvelous globe with its many cultures. Read more…. Enlisting Change Around the World
I have a vision: I think we need to have a museum of midwifery. The thought first came to me when I was at the New York City MANA conference a decade ago. Read more…. A Vision to Share
We will look back someday and say, “We had a legendary meeting at the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) meeting in Vienna in April 2002.” It was not a sanctioned meeting but one where we discussed issues many midwives have been concerned with. Read more…. Inclusiveness—The Essence of Midwifery
The single most important thing that you can do for your baby is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. A well-balanced diet is one that includes foods from all food groups in appropriate amounts, so as to ensure proper nutrition. Read more…. Nutrition during Pregnancy
While on an Indian reservation, I had studied with a shaman and observed the use of seaweed to heal burns and deep lacerations… Read more…. A Natural Alternative to Suturing
Your love of women, babies, families and each other needs to be your focus. You are answering a calling, one of service, not one that is self-serving. Read more…. Education Priority Check
Our clinic day begins at 9 a.m. with ‘Welcome, how are you?’ Smiles may greet us, with excited tales of the baby’s first kicks. Or a stone face may turn away, and our patient questioning of the pregnant mom elicit a story of trouble at home. Read more…. Prenatal Care CNM Style
An intact perineum is the goal of every birthing woman. We love to have whole, healthy female genitalia. Many people consider the health of the vagina/perineum to be a matter of chance, luck or being at the mercy of the circumstances of the forces that prevail at the time of the birth. Read more…. Midwife’s Guide to an Intact Perineum
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
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
Learn about the traditional midwife from Mexico! Read more…. Doña Irene Sotelo: Traditional Mexican Midwife
