Learning the Ancient Wisdom Held by Birthing Women

It’s International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month! Why does this matter? I believe it matters because women, like men, are made in God’s image. As women, we hold intrinsic value. We reflect the character of God in unique ways that are not always honored or recognized by others or institutions. We can see this in ancient history, near history, and in the present.

I recently listened to the book , Childbirth as a Rite of Passage: Weaving Ancient Wisdom with Modern Knowledge, by Rachel Reed (Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage: Weaving ancient wisdom with modern 9780645002508 | eBay). Reed looks at childbirth practices throughout the ages and how they morphed into present day maternity practices in Australia, the UK, and the US. She’s done her homework to explain how the ancient childbirth wisdom held by women has been opposed and uplifted by individuals, societies, and institutions.

I find this a fitting topic for International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. I encourage you to ask yourself, “Why are things [majority US maternity practices] the way they are? How did we get here? What is helpful and what isn’t? What can we learn from women’s history that can help elevate the dignity of women in childbirth?

As a postpartum doula, I help my clients see the innate wisdom they have about their bodies and their babies. We explore the impact of childbirth on mother and baby for better and worse. Finally, seek ways to navigate individual and societal challenges that make mothering difficult.

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