• Last updated 10/11/12 by Mothering Editorial

By Elizabeth O'SullivanIssue 127, November/December 2004 Although a doula had been with Pat Welch when her daughter was born, she hadn’t been able to afford a doula two years later, at the birth of her son. When the pushing stage of labor triggered an episode of post-traumatic stress disorder, Welch decided that she was not ready to push and that she wasn’t going to do it. “I remember being yelled at, and at that point, you’re like, ‘Yeah? Well, make me!’” Welch recalled. The child’s father and another friend were present, but they weren’t able to talk her out of... read more

• Last updated 9/28/11 by Mothering Editorial

Birthing Again: A VBAC Experience By Melissa Aberle-GrasseWeb Exclusive I lay on my bed in a square of moonlight, resting. Emma, only seven hours old, slept next to me, her hands folded together as if in meditation. Only my heart's pounding--not with anxiety, but with joy and power--broke the calm. Just hours ago, I had birthed this baby. No outside stimuli or interference, just me: the energy and knowledge of my body, and several strong assistants. That night stands so bright partly because this second birthing was so different from the first. My first baby was born... read more

• Last updated 1/7/13 by Melanie Mayo

Homebirth in the US has increased by 20%.  “At Home in Maine”, a new online film series about homebirth and midwifery care shows us why.  The series features eleven films that present authentic intimate portraits of the homebirth experience and is produced by filmmaker Nicolle Littrell of Woman in the Moon Films.  Several of the films also look at the politics around homebirth, including a campaign for licensure by Maine’s Certified Professional Midwives.  The films can be viewed via rental or as a digital download at: www.mainehomebirth.wordpress.com “At... read more

• Last updated 1/7/13 by Melanie Mayo

By Jessica Williams, www.LoveParentingLA.com Hi Friends, I have contributed articles and never-before-released audio recordings for a revolutionary home study course for pre-conception, pregnancy & the first year of motherhood presented by my dear friend and colleague. Her wisdom is offered in accessible lessons. She has video and audio interviews with truly gifted birth workers and psychologists, sharing insights, perspective and tools to make your transition into parenthood amazing. This course is being released on September 21. In... read more

• Last updated 9/15/11 by Mothering Editorial

By Cynthia Trenshaw Web Exclusive   The constellation Orion was huge in the cold December sky. The Great Hunter looked down on the English moorlands and the little town of Totnes, overseeing the birth of my grandson who, four days later, would be named Orion Reed. Beneath the dark moon and the crisp canopy of stars, the house was warm, moist, and dim. The living room was prepared to hold Katheryn's labor and to receive the child's birth: candlelight and warmth of fire, the dampness of the birthing pool (a hexagonal wood construction holding warm water to... read more

• Last updated 1/7/13 by Melanie Mayo

For newly arrived refugee women, giving birth in a new country can be terrifying. The IRC’s pregnancy support program helps make the experience easier – and joyful. Baltimore, MD – After surviving a treacherous journey out of Myanmar to Malaysia, Hlawn Kim and her husband, Van Run Sang, were thrilled to arrive in the United States as part of the International Rescue Committee’s resettlement program. But just as they were getting used to their new life in Baltimore, Kim became pregnant with their first child. For newly arrived refugee women,... read more

• Last updated 1/7/13 by Melanie Mayo

Miles for Midwives brings together runners, families and midwifery supporters for a fun day devoted to maternity care improvement and community wellness. Proceeds from this event benefit the work of NYC Midwives and CiC to improve maternity care in our community. Your participation will support our efforts to promote the Midwives Model of Care and healthy maternity care options. By participating in this event, your raised dollars directly enable the education and empowerment of women and families in our community! Event Date: Saturday, October... read more

• Last updated 9/8/11 by Mothering Editorial

By Zelie Pollon Issue 144 - September/October 2007 Later, when Monroe was a student at the University of Massachusetts, she'd stop black women on campus to ask if they were from Africa, and if so, if they were midwives. She was on a mission: to connect with the African midwifery tradition, and to imbue her own midwifery journey with its wisdom. In 1982, the first of Monroe's seven children was born, with a Jewish midwife in attendance—at that time, there were no black midwives in Boston. It was obvious to Monroe there was a need to be filled, and she decided to... read more

• Last updated 11/11/11 by Mothering Editorial

By Betsy LeightonWeb Exclusive "Knowing comes from the place within us that is connected to our source." From A Still, Small Voice by Echo L. Bodine A month before the due date of my second pregnancy, I had a dream that there were two little girls with pigtails in their hair joining our family. When I told my husband about my dream, he joked, "there had better be only one baby in there. We only have one more bedroom!" We were planning a homebirth for this pregnancy. Our son had been born at home without complications. In fact, his birth had gone so quickly, that we... read more

• Last updated 1/7/13 by Cynthia Mosher

BOLD 2011 Muskoka, Canada   “The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” -       Anna Quindlen   I’m a perfectionist, or so I’ve been told. Recently as a mom being perfect has been a tough calling. This summer I’ve felt like the captain of team Loser Mom. The kids are dressed – probably because they are ten and twelve now and dress themselves – but the rest of my household is an utter mess. Perfect started slipping in June.   Now, late... read more