Midwife Monday with Mari Oxenberg
Midwife Monday’s tele-seminar series came about because I was thinking about the quality and level of care women receive prenatally. It has been my goal, as a doula and, now, midwife, to provide my clients with optimal care and compassionate guidance. I’ve spoken with many women who have felt a lack in the prenatal care they receive from their OB. Visits are often short and impersonal, with little time for exploring other aspects of the prenatal period that are important to pregnant women. The midwifery model of care has always been to approach pregnancy, birth and the postpartum...
Read MorePostpartum Hormones Interview with Joanne Cohen
The postpartum period is filled with lots of changes for mamas: both physical and emotional. Mamas need support, love and care during this time and it’s important that they receive additional help when they need it. Hormonal changes in postpartum mamas are normal, but there are ways to make this period more comfortable and smooth. Joanne Cohen is has been helping women with hormonal challenges for many years and she was kind enough to answer some questions we had about postpartum mamas and hormones. Zoë Etkin: Could you talk briefly about the hormonal changes women go through during...
Read MoreA Divine Medium: Birth Art
Birth Art, A Divine Medium By Kelly Meehan Birth art has been around since the beginning of time throughout the world. Within each culture the elements of nature were used to create art. This art has been seen as drawings etched in the sides of mountainous rocks, paintings in red berries, brown sediment, charcoals, and even in sculptures from earth’s natural clay. This kind of art is special because it uses the foundation of life as its palette…birth. Birth art is inspired by conception, pregnancy, birth, baby, and motherhood. Birth art is a type of art that carries the message of...
Read MoreCan Childbirth Really Be Orgasmic?
As a doula, childbirth educator and sexual wellness coach this is a question I am asked often. With 98% of women in hospitals receiving epidural medication it’s hard to imagine that giving birth could be pleasurable–never mind orgasmic. Culturally the connection between childbirth and sexuality has long been severed. However, physiologically women are wired in a way that sexual arousal is an aid in pain relief and easeful passage of baby. The birth of a baby represents the great culmination of our love making, of our creative force and the same sensuality that created this new...
Read MoreFearless Dads, Fearless Homebirth
Greetings Birthwell Community, My name is Zoë and I am a postpartum doula, teacher and writer. For my first contribution to the Birthwell blog, I’d like to talk about homebirth dads and partners. Many homebirth dads-to-be may wonder where they fit in among the birthing team of midwives, doulas and other attendants. Birth is all about teamwork; each player has a vital role in creating a safe, open space for Mama to birth this new baby. There are so many amazing ways you can be involved in the process. Your gentle, loving presence encourages and supports Mama as she labors, no...
Read MoreIntroducing Birthwell’s Newest and Fabulous Service – Maya Abdominal Massage!
Well, it’s absolutely ridiculous that it should be so hard to write a blog, but indeed I have found it a daunting task that looms over me. Spectacular content and pertinent themes run through my mind as I collapse wearily into my bed each night, knowing that once again another day has passed and I have sadly written nothing. Who knew having a toddler and running a midwifery practice would be so much work, or that placing fingers on a key board is an open invitation for overjoyed little fingers to help out. Hats off to all of you diligent bloggers out there in the blogger-field who...
Read More
