Philosophy of Education - Gail Hart

* With something as variable and unique to each woman as Pregnancy and Childbirth ,you cannot learn it all from a book.
* You can learn lots of imformation from books but you cannot substitute this for practical experience.
* The first aid  skills of Midwifery are quickly taught, the anatomy and physiology are valid as as you begin to create knowledge to assist natural physiological Birth.
*Natural Physiological Birth- Is the Gold Standard of Midwifery
* Hand skills cannoot be substituted by technology!
* It is up to all midwives with skills to teach others or these skills will be lost!
* PROTECT WOMEN BY PROTECTING YOUR SKILLS!
 Create situations where hand skills and technology compete to see who gets the closest results
*  KNOWLEDGE EXPERIENCE INTUITION = EDUCATION
*  Placenta is so high in prostoglandin that it is still globally the primary fixer of heamorrage

Global Midwifery Education For The Future- Elizabeth Davis

Global Midwifery Education for the Future -  Elizabeth Davis
* The motivation towards Midwifery Educaion comes from a deep heart calling, a strong physical birthing experience and a want to serve the wider social community.
* IF YOU REALLY WANT IT YOU CAN DO IT!
* Your Midwife- Wise , humble, confident, open, trusts her and your body, is educated in Birth.
* Who will create this if not you?
* MIDWIVES ALLIANCE OF NORTH AMERICA
Is based on - core statements, practice protocols, A broad sense of how we practice, not what!
* HOLISTIC MIDWIFERY EDUCATION
can be grounded in a competancy based assessment by midwives - can the midwife demonstrate the competancy and skills to practice?
* Involve certified people- Midwives, Doctors etc to test others_ challenge them to show
SKILLS, COMPETANCY AND KNOWLEDGE
* receprocity between states that all recognise the Certified Practicing Midwife (CPM)
*Portfolio based assessment- you don't need to go to school if you can show the skills and competancys to be a Midwife.
* Self -awareness and self-development are core to competant Midwifery practice
* Contextual integrated overview is needed to create the understanding of why education and skills are important.
MENTORSHIP - SUPPORTING STUDENTS
* Know yourself, be prepared, be mature, feel confident
* OPEN YOUR HEART
* Teachers need to be open to learning to know how to teach
*Each womans personal needs need to be the basis of their Midwifery care- Supprtive Midwifery= Real Midwifery
*Community support is the key to REAL Midwifery care!
*To be adaptable and to be able to accept differences between women is a core skill.
* Social education with  community specific knowledge helps a midwife give care tailored to individual needs.
* The more we learn to work with each other and learn from each other the better care we can give our global community.
* OUR MISSION IS AUTHENTIC CARE!
 *To mentor and to be mentors is a core structure of Midwifery Education and continuation of knowledge.
* We are all equal and we all have skills and knowledge to offer
* We need to accept our own limitations and bias to to then be able to open our hearts and minds and become better educators and students
* Everyone learns differently- to open up to the heart of knowledge is to learn how students learn and tailor our education towards thier needs not our expectations
* Ask yourself ' If that was my Mother , Sister,Friend etc would I want her to be treated this way?'
* If you can get on well together you can learn together
* Midwifery is an Art and as such differs from person to person- hence giving total individual choice for each woman.

Remembering our global Herstory . ina may Gaskin

* MIT  WIF - MIDWIFE - WITH WOMAN
From the 15th to 18th century our profession was a very dangerous one. The better at healing a midwife was the more dangerous was her life. The knowledge of plants, birth, and Love were viewed as dangerous and a threat to the military and religeous powers.
* In the hammer of the witches( roman catholic text used by the spanish inquisition) it states ' ..a witch who harms is evil , a witch who cures is worse, for she perverts the will of God....'
* in america 85% of women and 15% of men were killed
*Even more women died in europe for midwifery, however there is more midwifery in europe than in the US
* The US is the creator of illusion especially when it comes to to birth practices and birth statistics
*Awomans body is mysterious not only to men but also to women.
* A sane woman can be pregnant and not know it, also she can think she is pregnant and not be.
Women can progress and recede in labor, but this fact is not written about in male dominated literature.
* A mechanical view of the body does not give a true story of the human woman because many of her functions are not only physical but also emotional
* If you assume a woman is a machine it does not matter how the baby is removed- the only factor is  GET IT OUT!
* Doctor led hospital birth created a situation where no births were attended by midwives and women became the teaching ground that doctors experimented on.
* Doctors taught knowledge from books with no real physical experiences
* 49 other countries have better birth outcomes than the US
* DO NOT COPTY THE us ILLUSION OF CARE UNTIL YOU KNOW THEIR HISTORY
* CREATE TRUE BIRTH AND TRUE LOVE

Oxytocin, what it is and what it does

OXYTOCIN

* The shy hormone- needs privacy, quiet, warmth, dark lights

*The chocolate hormone! It containes theobromine which helps the body to create oxytocin

* Oxytocin is the same hormone that is produced during lovemaking

*Oxytocin spurts around the body resonating with the bodys needs

*Oxytocin is the opposite hormone to adrenaline

* Its greek meaning is 'quick labor'

* The amazing cocktail of chemicals that are released by the release of oxytocin;

reduce stress, allows natural pain relief- endorphins

helps with breast feeding- prolactin

reduces blood pressure

* Trust , intimacy, communication, loving, gentletouch, cuddles, kisses, continuous contact, all create oxytocin!

* When there is fear adrenaline is created, where there is adrenaline, cortisol, vassopressin, there is no room for oxytocin

* Oxytocin flows from person to person freely and we can accentuate this flow by communicating with ourselves and each other about what scares us and what helps us to feel comfy and relaxed.

* Oxytocin in the blood during pregnancy assists the baby to grow and the mother to create the appropriate space to grow and nurture the baby.

* Oxytocin is the natural facilitator of the autonomic birth process- The hormone of the natural flow of the body.

* LOVE YOURSELF , LOVE YOUR BODY, LOVE YOUR BIRTH, LOVE YOUR BABY!

the power of story

The Power of Stories

Fairy tales , myths and stories provide understandings which sharpen our sight so that we can pick out and pick up the path left by the wildish nature. The instruction found in story reassures us that the path has not run out, but still leads women deeper, and more deeply still, into their own knowing. The tracks we all are following are those of the wild and innate instinctual Self.

Stories are medicine, They have such power; they do not require that we do, be ,act, anything - we need only listen The remedies for repair or reclamation of any lost psychic drive are contained in stories. Stories engender the excitement, sadness, questions, longings , and understandings that spontaneously bring the archetype, in our case the Wild Birthing Woman, back to the surface.

Stories are embedded, they guide us about the complexities of life. Stories enable us to understand the need for and the ways to raise a submurged archetype.

Metophors for life travel through history, we need to dig deeper past cultural overlays of patriarchy and religion to find the 'Herstory'

The story of us all is carried in each one of us, we all have our own individual part of our universal story to tell.

All stories carry the heart seed of truth - the inspiration from within that seeks to uncover the true nature of humans and their relation to the world around them.

Story tellers can alter the perception of their audiences, creating a space where new learning can occur. Once a story has been woven around an experience it becomes a tool for learning that is experienced in a totally different way. Theta waves are created in the brain and the old memories are overwritten with a new more educational viewpoint that signals the souls purpose and facilitates greater learning.

The Mistaken Zygote

Skeleton Woman

The Ugly Duckling

La Mariposa, Butterfly Woman

'Strength does not come after one climbs the ladder or the mountain, nor after one makes it- whatever that 'it' represents. Strengthening oneself is essential to the process of striving- especially before and during- as well as after. It is my belief that attention to and devotion to the nature of soul represents the quintessential strength'  Clarissa Pinkola Estes - Women who run with the wolves.

LOVE

mexican birthing chocolate

MEXICAN BIRTHING CHOCOLATE

*In Traditional Mexico the Birthing Woman is seen and respected as a Warrior - She is putting her life on the line to create the next generation. This is the Female Rite of Passage where each individual will open her Brain Body and Heart to this life changing experience.

* The appropriate gifts for such a warrior is chocolate.

Recipie

2Litres clean water

1 big bunch of Rosemary

1 Big handfull of Avocado leaves

some sprigs of sage

13 cloves

12  peppercorns, Black or Rose

4inch of cinnamon stick

1big handfull of cocoa (pure chocolate)

or 3-4 bars of 80% dark chocolate

*This recipie is one handed down from 'The Grandmothers' the original holders of birthing knowledge whose line of wisdom has never been broken by industrial medicine.

*Chocolate contains Theobromine which is a pre cursor to Oxytocin , the opening of Mind, Heart, Body and Soul is created by, a rush of this hormone, opening the brain to Theta levels of activity where past experiences can be over written with newer more empowering stories.

*The spices are all ones which create heat, warmness is needed to promote the feeling of well being and safety.

*The herbs are ones that promote courage, in the Body , Heart and Mind and also actively work on the muscles of the womb to correctly position the baby , calmly and gently, and then firmly eject the baby when the cervix is fully open.

Method

   * Put the spices in the water and bring to boil, simmer till the liquid halves( this is called decoction)

* Take the liquid off the heat and add the herbs, making sure that they are under the water, Cover this and let stand until it is tepid ( this is steeping)

* when liquid is cool strain off the pieces.

* heat the now beautifully smelly maroon clear liquid to warm , add the chocolate and stir till not lumpy.

* the mixture does not have to boil! The cooler the better really cos then the chocolate keeps its proper molecular structure.

* The mother can drink this freely as and when she desires

* Give this to anyone who comes near or is entering the birthing space

The group as a whole supports the birthing woman, Mind Body and Soul, collectively as one mind women create a stronger woman , a stronger loving space that the baby will want to be born into.

Not all peoples brains and hearts are easily opened by words to the same level so the chocolate uses taste, heat and smell stimuli to change head spaces to make them more conducive to creating a Positive , Loving Birthspace.

LOVE

MEXICAN BIRTHING CHOCOLATE

*In Traditional Mexico the Birthing Woman is seen and respected as a Warrior - She is putting her life on the line to create the next generation. This is the Female Rite of Passage where each individual will open her Brain Body and Heart to this life changing experience.

* The appropriate gifts for such a warrior is chocolate.

Recipie

2Litres clean water

1 big bunch of Rosemary

1 Big handfull of Avocado leaves

some sprigs of sage

13 cloves

12  peppercorns, Black or Rose

4inch of cinnamon stick

1big handfull of cocoa (pure chocolate)

or 3-4 bars of 80% dark chocolate

*This recipie is one handed down from 'The Grandmothers' the original holders of birthing knowledge whose line of wisdom has never been broken by industrial medicine.

*Chocolate contains Theobromine which is a pre cursor to Oxytocin , the opening of Mind, Heart, Body and Soul is created by, a rush of this hormone, opening the brain to Theta levels of activity where past experiences can be over written with newer more empowering stories.

*The spices are all ones which create heat, warmness is needed to promote the feeling of well being and safety.

*The herbs are ones that promote courage, in the Body , Heart and Mind and also actively work on the muscles of the womb to correctly position the baby , calmly and gently, and then firmly eject the baby when the cervix is fully open.

Method

   * Put the spices in the water and bring to boil, simmer till the liquid halves( this is called decoction)

* Take the liquid off the heat and add the herbs, making sure that they are under the water, Cover this and let stand until it is tepid ( this is steeping)

* when liquid is cool strain off the pieces.

* heat the now beautifully smelly maroon clear liquid to warm , add the chocolate and stir till not lumpy.

* the mixture does not have to boil! The cooler the better really cos then the chocolate keeps its proper molecular structure.

* The mother can drink this freely as and when she desires

* Give this to anyone who comes near or is entering the birthing space

The group as a whole supports the birthing woman, Mind Body and Soul, collectively as one mind women create a stronger woman , a stronger loving space that the baby will want to be born into.

Not all peoples brains and hearts are easily opened by words to the same level so the chocolate uses taste, heat and smell stimuli to change head spaces to make them more conducive to creating a Positive , Loving Birthspace.

LOVE

Deep Self love relaxation

Deep Self Love Relaxation

*Lie comfortably, make a bed, pillows, blankets, comfortable.

* Allow yourself to be tucked in and given Love.

* Breathe deeply thru nose and out thru mouth.

* Relax feet and toes calves and knees - your legs can relax and not have to carry you all the time.

* Relax your thighs.

* Let your hands rest on your belly, feel your womb , feel your baby

*Know that your baby feels what you feel, when you relax you both relax.

* Know that, like you, your baby feels sun and dark.

* Feel the suns rays thru your belly, feel your womb relax,  your baby relaxing in the light.

* Know that you are safe, you are amazing.

*Know that your baby is safe, and you are amazing to have grown your amazing baby.

*Know that you are assisting in the creation of the first space a new human will be born into.

* You have created a new being and are now growing it in the safest place possible.

* You are a perfect being and all growth in body and soul is safe and right for you.

*Know that to create, grow and birth a baby is the most natural normal and simple thing in the world, and you will do it in your own way.

* Know that your calling to assist others is a pure sacred path, and you will do it in your own way.

* Relax your chest, feel your breasts and know that you are womanly, nurturing , able to feed and grow your baby, and to spirituall nurture those areond you with mother like support.

* Relax your neck, shoulders, arms, hands, fingers

* Know that the world is at your fingertips.

* Relax your face and head . Breathe in deep and release your sound AHHHHHHHHHHH 2 or 3 times.

* Now breathe deep and smile to yourself, a really big grin, fully smile to yourself and let yourself know that you are amazing, fabulous , brilliant!

* You are amazing, strong, brilliant, capeable, able to give birth and support birthing.

*Feel full of Love Love for yourself , your baby, your journey.

* Breathe deep, Release, Relax, Love

*Start to wiggle your toes, wake up in your own time, roll onto your side and come into sitting position.

* Look around and smile to yourself and everyone around, bask in your newfound relaxed glory. Truely loving yourself and those around you.

LOVE

travelling doula to the anarchist edges!

Extremes in Birth Assisting

As a Birthing Assistant to the Travelling Pastoral Tribes of Europe my time on his planet has been far from dull. Over  the past 14 years there have been many births in many varying places. The mothers and families have been from all social classes many different backgrounds but all had a resounding belief of their own ability to give birth how they wish to and a confidence in their own bodies to get the job done.

At this time I am relaxing after a month of extremes. The beginning of june saw me support my bestfriend as she gave birth to her very special baby. The father ( also my best friend) had died from a head injury 3 weeks before, so not only was I birth assistant I was also embodiment of father! Added to this we were both obviously grieving and so were supporting each other in fits and starts.

Even though the mother had asked for no scan she had been scanned anyway and informed that her baby had some developmental problems and that her brain my be terminally damaged! On top of all of this the hospital then decided that she would have to give birth in hospital! At this my long time anarchist friend really dug her heels in! there was no way she was trusting herself to people who had already proved that they didnt listen to her or respect her decisions. She actively took back her birth plans and fought and won the right to birth at home for as long as she wanted!

The birth was an emotional roller coaster with joyous extatic birthing noises mixed with grieving and tears. My friend evolved through her birth process at her own rate making all her own decisions empowering herself at every stage to be a totally competant mother. she was completely in contact with her body and felt each stage progress and adapted her self to deal with the changes of each stage.

At fully dilated after some pushing and resting the amazing mother went for a walk by the river and hung from a hawthorn tree. She looked up and said, " Something isnt right, I need to go to hospital and have a C section". She did and as the baby was lifted out it was clear why this baby wasnt coming down, she was tangled in her cord around her neck arm and leg!

Special baby that she is she needed some extra oxygen and care in the special baby unit. While mums mum cared for her I was the care for baby and stayed with her never leaving for the first couple of hours of her life. It was amazing, there she was the baby that had no chance to live , that had been advised to terminate 3 times and there she was! Alive!

And there I was too! All dressed in ER blue with my silly hat and mask on . 'Angel ER' is what they called us and even though I mostly am on the team of less washing today I was the cleanest Lara ever whilst my tiniest baby sister clung to my spotless finger!

Fast forward one month and I am in a yurt under an oak tree with some horse drawn friends. A visit to just give moral support and some hot chocolate has evolved into me being at the buisness end while a third time mother births her baby girl into the world! Im not phased in the moment as there is no need , however a day later I feel really tired and a bit in shock!

We called the midwives in plenty of time ( believing hat they would arrive within an hour) and were supporting the birth with much dancing laughing story telling and chocolate drinking. we fully believed that the midwives would arrive in time and that they would catch the baby. Not so! when we called as her noises began to change we were informed that the midwife would be at least 2 hours!

Silently in my head gears began to change and I let myself see that I was the person catching this baby in this yurt. A small look under the mothers dress  showed that the head was crowning, this baby was definately coming! The father was needing focussed attention as he was freaking out because lat time the midwives had been late and he had to call an ambulance to save him from having to catch his baby!

 Time slowed and everything was focussed on the mothers breath, "It stings " she said. " Just breathe and relax and your baby will just slide out " I said. Another quick look now showed the babys head  eyebrows, the other assistant passed me a towel and I got ready to catch. I was waiting for the head to fully appear, when it did there was an extra bonus, the little darling had her hand up against her cheek , no wonder it stung! Keeping my voice as calm as possible I just advised her to just breathe and let her body do the rest. The babe appeared to her neck and to my joy and relief just kept coming! In 2 more seconds she was caught in the clean towel and in her loving families arms wriggling and looking pink and having a little cry! the mum was not bleeding heavily so all was good in my 'emergency checklist' in my head.

We leaned mum back and covered mum dad and baby in a duvet , stoked the burner and got out of there! Brilliant! everyone alive and now all they needed to do was love each other! The placenta arrived with the midwife about an hour and a half later all easy and everyone was very happy.

So from ER special care to the grass verge under an Oak tree, sterile medical to muddy natural in one month! Did I feel at home in both settings? YES! I am happy to be a bridge between cultures and I am glad that I am blessed with the calling to assist the travelling tribes as they give birth to a new generation.

I believe that everyone has the right to give birth the way that they choose with the assistance that they choose when and where they choose and that they have the right to culturally appropriate assistance to respect them and their cultural needs.

The English Travelling community is such a mixed bunch from horse drawn hard core  hedge dwellers, to truck living sound system massives, from bender dwellers and yurt makers to  anarchist squatters and tree house protesters, they live in more differing dwellings than one can count and they are guarunteed to all have a differing opinion about something.

However they do rally together with the same belief as do I, that freedom is ours, our birthright and just because we are not in the mainstream of society that does not mean that we are any less and that we desrve any less respect or attention to our wishes. We are the alternative and we will continue to birth our babies the way we choose and at the moment our birth statistics show that with a 2%   C csection rate we are the healthiest people in our society with the best births! Long may we continue and may our children be healthy and happier because of their parents unending belief in freedom! Big big fairy love LARAXXXXXXXXXXXXX