deb

Ecological Model of Birth from Midwife Verena Schmid

“We know from research that if there is harmony in the team that works together, the health of the mother is better.” – Verena Schmid Cert. Midwife

Here is an illustration and video clip of Midwife Verena Schmid sharing her concept of “ecological human system that helps us to understand how the mother is very important for the baby but not she alone, that everybody has the responsibility for the well-being of the baby and it helps us to understand also the position of the support professionals and helpers should be.”

Verena Schmid, certified midwife; international teacher in Salutophysiology and Salutogenesis in midwifery; founder and director of the i

nternational school of Midwifery Art in Florence, Italy and the professional magazine D&D, Donna e Donna; author of professional books for midwives and promoter of self determined, conscious childbirth, project leader of the “Centro Benessere Maternità” in Florence. Verena promotes midwifery within a health paradigm and normal birth on different levels: practical, political, cultural and professional. For this engagement she was awarded by the international award Astrid Limburg in 2000.

: Do you want to dive-in as registrant or stay on dry-land as affiliate? Tap the toes for more info about the trip.

Roberta’s Interlude in Italy

In this blog, Roberta shares about her experience on Pleasures of the Amalfi Coast Women’s Retreat

High above the Amalfi coast, I look out on the Mediterranean Sea far below the craggy mountains swiftly descending to meet the blue water. This view from my room and balcony in Le Rocce hotel never fails to make me catch my breath as I stand mesmerized.

I left Montreux with music fans about to gather for the annual Jazz festival. (Estimated 200,000 fans over 16 days.) Europe’s trains make it easy to get around, and a friend of mine, Debra Pascali-Bonaro, just happened to be hosting a women’s gathering in Agerola, Italy, during that time.

The area around Agerola is called “small Switzerland” for its cultivated terraces stepping down the mountains. Pumice from the Vesuvius eruption of AD 79 holds moisture in the soil for the many small farms; every house has its own plot for harvesting vegetables each day of the long growing season. I don’t know anyone who would argue with me when I say that in Italy eating freshly prepared food in quantity daily is a cultural mandate.

The first official day of our women’s week the seven of us sat down to lunch in a small room just off our hotel pool for the following menu served as courses: deep fried stuffed zucchini flowers, salad, stuffed lamb rolls with a vegetable side, and a fresh fruit mixture for dessert. Crisp crust bread of course, and wine and sparkling mineral water were our beverages.

When we weren’t eating, we were learning about Agerola, the surrounding countryside, and its people. One of the famous locals is Paolo Avitabile, a soldier and mercenary in the early 19th century. He became a colonel in the Persian army, leaving after six years to make more money as a general in the Indian army. He became governor of a territory in Afghanistan in 1834, establishing order with ruthlessness and brutality, it’s reported. He made his fortune advancing money to the British to pay their troops in the British Anglo-Afghan wars. Having thereby transferred much of his wealth back to Europe, he quit his post to return to Agerola and build a castle. We toured the site of the castle high on a hilltop which Mussolini coveted a century later and leveled to build his own great building.

Coincidentally, as I was walking around one of the hamlets of Agerola, I stopped at a restaurant in the courtyard of the Palazzo Acampora. I talked with the manager who gave me a pamphlet about the Palazzo. It had the rest of the story about Paolo Avitable.

Join Debra on the Amalfi Coast

Returning to Agerola and building his castle, he also married his much younger and beautiful niece. She took as her lover, Luigi Acampora. One night General Avitable summoned a friend to tell him he was dying, exclaiming, “They have poisoned me!” referring to his wife and her lover. The lovers got away with it, married and chose the Palazzo Acampora as their residence. The locals want me to write a book about the general. The last and only book about him was written in Italian in 1909.

There is magic here in so many ways. One day we took a leisurely five hour hike to and through the Valle delle Ferriere, Valley of the Fairies State Nature Reserve. Stopping at a plunging waterfall, stripping to our bathing suits and cooling off, we thought we were in heaven. But heaven was up ahead. Following the stream, continuing to see aqueduct ruins, carefully crossing a tree trunk bridge, we were all stunned to silence as we entered an area with cascades of gentle waterfalls from different stream tributaries. The water flowed softly down the mountainsides in many places, looking like thousands of translucent threads. It felt like a holy place.

In another holy place, the church of Madonna of Loreto, we saw a newly discovered fresco by an unknown artist from about 1375. Part of the fresco is a scene of the Last Supper of Jesus, done at least 20 years before Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous version in Milan. The fresco was discovered while repairs were being made to earthquake loosened plaster covering it on a ceiling in the church. I’m working on the mystery of who the artist is. The church is among several beautiful churches in the Agerola area. But coincidentally, 475 years after the fresco was painted, the mausoleum of General Avitable was constructed in this same church.

Graziella Coccia, Debra’s cousin through their maternal line, was often with us as our local guide. She invited us to her home for a luncheon with some of her large extended family. We learned how to make gnocchi in her kitchen, then watched while her brother-in-law and her 84 year old mom made mozzarella cheese. Green beans freshly picked from their garden and Tiramisu made by her daughters, Angela and Bianca, were some of the other treats we savored. We all ate at a long table on their patio in the shade of their arbor of ripening kiwi. Graziella’s 82 year old father shared his homemade wine with us.

There is much more: a classical music performance of flute and piano in Ravello; an all day boat ride just for our party along the Amalfi coast, stopping to swim in caves; discovering the best pizza in Italy in Agerola (“Tony” has a trophy to prove it); getting to know my new women friends and being with Debra, my long-time friend; exploring other nearby sites; gelato and more gelato. From the “biologique” food served with pride and love to the open-hearted welcome of Ageroleans including our van drivers, my stay was a feast of the senses and spirit. Debra is planning more such trips if any of you women are interested.

Though I enjoyed it, spending the last two days in Florence was a bit of a come down only because there were so many tourists! But nothing can dim the splendor of the art and architecture of Florence. After the heat and crowds of Florence I was happy to get “home” to my little apartment in Montreux.

Agerola La Grande Terrarra Sul Mare – Agerola the Big Terrace on the Sea

In this blog Debra writes about the town of Agerola, located on the Amalfi Coast of Italy, where her family lives and where she guides a summer retreat.

Agerola is a town at the very top of the Amalfi coast, on top of the world. Views of the Tyrrhenian Sea – the Gulf of Salerno below and the whole Amalfi coast add to the views of this picturesque village. From our Hotel Le Rocce the views are stunning. Enjoy coffee, tea or a drinks on the terrace overlooking the Amalfi coast. Our morning workshops will nurture your spirit and passion for life and birth, a lunch that will tantalize your tastes. You will be ready to explore the riches of the region each afternoon and evening.

Agerola offers a glimpse into the culture, tastes and traditions of Italy that are often lost in the cities and escape the average tourist. Here life is rich with the smells, taste, sounds, views and traditions of life. The village announced each babies birth with fireworks, even number of blasts are for a girls and odd numbers signals a boy.

Join Debra in Italy this summer

Festivals of Life Each month brings it festivals, March 8th – International Woman’s Day is a day when all the women in Agerola are celebrated. Women are given Mimosa flowers and taken out to dinner, as the men celebrate the women in their village, together they remember the many women who live in much more challenging situations. Easter brings the whole village out for a procession between the fractions\hamlets of the village. May, the month for the Holy Mother, begins with a village pilgrimage of 20 km to the chapel in Pompeii where Holy Mary’s many healings and miracles there have been celebrated for centuries. June 29th Festival of St. Piedro, July 2 is Madona delle Grazie. Early August brings the festival of “Fior Di Latte” to celebrate their special cheese and Agerolese products. The night of San Lorenzo, August 10th, is the night of the shooting stars, a magical midsummer night when all dreams come true. Looking at the stars from atop of the world, in Agerola they say the stars come down from the sky, and here you can really feel you can touch them. September 12th – Madonna del Rosario celebration, Mary of all Saints, October bring the chestnut festival. Other local celebrations abound all year long many dedicated to the Patron Saints of each region of the town.

Art is everywhere From the historic art, churches and old palace with art from Mussolini, as well as pottery makers who create the typical Italian pottery of the region, couples with views that are art to our eyes – your will be intoxicated with beauty at every turn. We will visit the Ceramiche Silvestri, a family owned pottery shop where they have been making and painting the traditional pottery of the region in the Vietri tradition for generations. You can purchase items or have them made for you, personalized with your family’s name on tiles, serving bowls and more.

Agerola da Gustare – A taste of Agerola If you are not feeling the culture of Italy yet, the local foods, the best in Italy will surely transcend you to another time and place. Agerola supplies the entire coastal area with many of it specialties. It is famous for their fior-di-latte – mozzarella cheese, made fresh every morning from the special Agerolese cows that are found grazing on the mountainside. If you are willing to wake early one morning we will visit a local cheese maker related to our family where you can help make the mozzarella and fresh ricotta cheese. In addition to their great cheeses Agerola is also famous for their salami Di Agerola, Provolone Cheese Del monaco – spicy cheese and Crisp Agerolse bread, traditional rye bread with its many nutritional benefits. We will visit a local bakery Integralpane di Armando Naclerio where you can watch the local breads and Terrari being made. In the evening you may enjoy the Nocino di Agerola, chestnut liquor, Limoncello, -lemon liquor, great local wine, in addition to all the breads, pasta, and fresh vegetables and fruits Hotel Le Rocce will ensure that you explore all the tastes of the region.

The Hidden Mystery If you have not felt completely transcended to another time, this special recent discovery, known only to the locals, will add to your sense of mystery. A fresco of the Last Supper was discovered after an earthquake loosened the plaster on the ceiling of a 12th century church. Was it done first here or after by a student or Leonardo Da Vinci? Whatever the answer, with no long lines and reservations needed as in Milan, you can walk in and wonder for yourself where this treasure came from and the story it tells.

Learn more about

Pleasures of the Amalfi Coast Women’s Retreat

The Paths of the Fairy’s and the God’s There are many walk that have been carved out of the mountains, an incredible set of stairs that have been hand made over the centuries- that has been come to be know as the Sentiero degli Dei – The Path the of Gods, taking you from Agerola to Positano, where the views of the sea below are seen as you wind through vineyards, gardens and villages as you descend to Positano.

The walk of the Valle delle Ferriere – the Valley of the Fairy’s is 10 km from Agerola to Amalfi, with views spectacular views, and with diverse micro climates that bring you from dense forest with chestnut groves, mountains, ferns, wild flowers, the smell of jasmine, roses, and herbs, a rain forest with waterfalls, old Roman ruins of mills and finally the lemon groves that descend into Amalfi. In one day, you feel like you have visited 3 – 4 totally different locations. The smells and sounds of birds, animals, waterfalls, sea below, as the wind, sun and water caress your skin, bring your senses to life as you walk on narrow paths and ledges and imagine a life of long ago when these were active merchant paths of trade. The spring water you will drink and bottle along the way is said to bring you dreams of another time.

If you are still yearning for more, there are 12 more paths to explore in and around Agerola, a hikers paradise and one of the Best-Kept Secrets of Italy or I think the world.

We will walk one or two of these hikes together based on the weather.

In addition to the pleasures of Agerola, we will visit the quaint beach town of Amalfi, the musical town of Ravello walking thru the Villa Cimbrone Gardens, and the often photographed town of Positano with all its shops, cafes and restaurants.

We will tour the scenic Amalifi coast by boat, visiting the Grotto Esmeralda, the Emerald Grotto, swimming in a small cove and visiting the island of Capri. Boating on the Mediterranean sea’s clear blue -green waters, looking back at the Amalfi coast is an adventure worth adding on to top off a week of nurturing, while re-inspiring your passion and connection to nature, birth and life.

Learn more how you join Debra and her family in Agerola, and special guests for a week of visioning , movement, and celebration in an Italian Paradise.

Join Debra in Italy this summer

The Time is Now! Doulas Reconnect The Circle of Support

Coming home from Teaching a great birth doula workshop at the University of Pennsylvania where I have been teaching nursing, midwifery, medical, anthropology, women’s studies students, and community members for over 13 years, I always feel blessings and gratitude to see so many young students sharing a passion to transform maternity care. This weekend was so exciting as we shared our passion for doulas and the many ways that including respectful, loving care will transform, not only our broken maternity care system, but the lives of MotherBaby, Father, partner, family’s and community’s.

* * *

Are you wondering what is a doula and why should I have one?

Doulas are women who support women and their families during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Her-storically women supported women in childbirth and passed along time tested comfort measures, nurturing and massage that helped make birth easier, shorter and as we are learning from science; safer and more satisfying. Childbirth was a social event that took place in family’s homes. When birth moved to hospital it became a medical event which while we have had benefits from our technology, the loss of support from other women often makes birth longer and harder. Many of our mother’s and grandmothers labored all alone, by breaking the circle of support of women, we lost traditional wisdom and with it the knowledge of natural comfort measures. Lying on our backs, having to endure physical activity without food and drink has made birth more challenging, frightening, and painful. It’s hard to imagine when all you know is the system of fear and pain that saves women with medication and surgery what birth can look like if we truly offer women and their partners a full range of comfort measures and the nurturing support that we know can help you to reduce interventions and have an easier more satisfying birth taking you from pain to power.

What a doula does?

A doula supports mothers, fathers, families and partners to experience birth as whole, honoring that birth involves Body Mind and Spirit. We often forget how- what our mind sees our body feels. I believe by cutting birth off from the rest of our lives we have lost touch with how much our emotions and our spiritually effects our bodies. Think about when you feel stressed, do you feel it in your body? Your hormones change. Enter the Doula! Just as women who live together – have their menstrual cycles come together, we are beginning to understand that women help other women to lower stress and secrete the essential hormone of calm, connection and childbirth called oxytocin. So having another woman at your birth is not just nice, it actually affects your hormones and even a wonderful male with all their nurturing will not have the same affect as a female offering continuous support. So that’s not to say then that he shouldn’t be present, we actually know that when a doula is there to support both of you, you both will be more satisfied and often enjoy even more love and nurturing.

What else do Doulas do?

A Doula offers: touch, acupressure, counter pressure, and a toolkit of position that actually help the baby to rotate and can often help make labor shorter and easier. One of my favorite tools is a Rebozo, a Mexican shawl. Doulas learn how to wrap and rock a MotherBaby. Think of how we swaddle and rocked the baby and how soothing that feels, imagine how it feels when you are wrapped with a warm embrace and gently move to help your baby find its way through your body.

Doulas help create what I call birth ambiance, to help you feel safe, private and relaxed with music, lighting, smells, art, images… doulas help you to create sacred space so that you can relax and open.

Doulas help you to advocate and understand all the choices you have so that you receive informed collaborative decision-making with your caregiver, understanding and choosing what is best for you and your baby

Doulas honor that birth is an emotion and spiritual journey. Doulas help you welcome you baby with respect, love and sacredness.

Why is the time now?

February 19, 2014, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released a very important consensus statement for the safe prevention of cesarean delivery, there were many key findings that when implemented will not only reduce the overuse of major surgery in childbirth, but it will reduce the sadness and trauma that many women experience, and help birth to return to the joyful blissful state that it should and could be.

I won’t go into details of all the recommendations but the one that has me the most excited, yes you guessed it – here is what they say about doulas:

Published data indicate that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula. A Cochrane meta-analysis of 12 trials and more than 15,000 women demonstrated that the presence of continuous one-on-one support during labor and delivery was associated with improved patient satisfaction and a statistically significant reduction in the rate of cesarean delivery. Given that there are no associated measurable harms, this resource is probably underutilized.

Yes, Underutilized for sure, but now for long. With the many benefits of a doula, as the late Dr. Kennel said, “If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical to with hold her!”

To learn more about doulas, read DONA International’s standard of practice, and to find a doula visit www.dona.org

Watch ABC News report on “New Medical Warning From the Nation’s Top Doctors on C-Sections.”

Enjoy Lamaze’s Blog from Judith Lothian Safe Prevention of the Primary Cesarean Delivery: ACOG and SMFM Change the Game http://www.scienceandsensibility.org/?p=7958

Or to Access the full ACOG Consensus statement http://www.acog.org/Resources_And_Publications/Obstetric_Care_Consensus_Series/Safe_Prevention_of_the_Primary_Cesarean_Delivery

http://consumer.healthday.com/women-s-health-information-34/misc-women-s-problem-news-707/ob-gyn-groups-issue-guidelines-to-lower-c-section-rates-685052.html

Join me for more nuggets as I plan to video blog more about ways you can move from pain to power in childbirth and beyond!

Cora Luna’s Peaceful Homebirth

Homebirth story submitted by Cora’s mother, Christine Cassella. Photos by birth doula Rachel Mueller

On Monday, October 28 I woke up with some pressure waves that felt unlike anything I had experienced as “practice” before. I wondered if this could be the day, but the waves subsided as I went about the day. I took a long nap and went for a walk in a nearby park. The fall colors were quite lovely and it felt refreshing to breathe the crisp air.

I headed toward the field where I first began dreaming of this baby over a year ago and which is also the field that inspired the song I wrote for her. I found a bare piece of Earth at the edge where the field meets the forest and grounded myself, soaking up energy from the Earth and feeling very aware that the birth would be happening soon.

I went home and prepared a hearty noodle soup and salad. As I was doing this, the strong pressure waves that I felt that morning returned. In fact, they were getting stronger. Some of them began requiring my full attention.

When Michael came home I hugged him and told him that I thought the birth was imminent. He let out a big smile and remarked on how wild it is that our lives could be changing so much in the course of a day. He sat with me as I went through some waves, but we decided that we should try our hardest to get some rest. We both went upstairs to bed, but I wasn’t there for long because I was too uncomfortable. I began timing the pressure waves, which were coming anywhere between 5 and 10 minutes apart and lasting for about 45 seconds to a minute. Early labor for sure, but something was definitely happening.

I wandered around and rested when I could between them all night. Eventually, I put on a Hypnobabies track and was able to rest better, but the waves never completely stopped. Cora was on her way.

In the morning I warned doula Rachel that something was happening and I also called my midwife, Pam. Her advice was to rest as much as possible because there is no way of telling how long this type of labor would go on for a first-time mom and fatigue is often the biggest reason that first-time moms leave home for the hospital. She assured me that rest would only help the labor progress.

So I rested the best I could. Some parts of the day were easier than others. I checked in with Rachel in the afternoon and told her that things were stalled at semi-regular contractions happening 5-10 minutes apart. She gave me confidence that everything was normal and that my cervix was just taking its time thinning out.

A few hours later Michael brought dinner home, but I could not eat more than a few bites. I didn’t feel very hungry and I felt something shifting. I needed to be on my hands and knees to focus on the pressure waves more often and they were consistently coming 5 minutes apart. We were getting closer.

I called Rachel and she started to head over around 7PM. Michael began preparing the birthing tub. I went around the house between waves lighting candles and setting up my birth alter. The atmosphere was peaceful, calm, and welcoming.

It was nice to have Rachel there when she came. She set up a calming aromatherapy diffuser and we could play around with her relaxation tools – massage paddles, a head massager (my favorite), a birthing ball, and more. She helped to remind me to stay relaxed and to let out low moans instead of anxiety-filled high-pitch ones.

As things became more intense, we decided that I could get in the water. It felt nice, but our hot water tank had run out so it wasn’t quite warm enough to stay in long. I got out rather quickly and warmed up by our fire.

Soon after, I was laboring on the toilet which is a surprisingly nice place to work through these sensations. Midwife Pam arrived about this time and brought an additional sense of reassurance and calm to what was happening. She reminded me to let my body do the work, to relax fully as the sensations overtook my being, and to moan low.

I’m not sure how long this went on, but eventually Pam offered to check my dilation and I accepted: five centimeters with the sac beginning to bulge through. My contractions were around 3-5 minutes apart at this point.

I have to admit I was a little disheartened when Pam suggested that she and her assistant leave for a while to get some rest. She suggested that I drink a glass of wine and try to get some rest because I still had a long road ahead. I wondered how I would possibly rest when I was having contractions 3-5 minutes apart. It seemed impossible. I also felt scared by the prospect of things getting so much more difficult. I was already bowled over and very vocal with each wave. What was still ahead? Despite the concerns, I went ahead and tried to rest. I don’t know that “rest” is quite the word for it, but we went to our bed and I tried to relax and slow things down as best I could.

That may have lasted for an hour and a half or so, although I was often on my hands and knees in the bed trying to “let go and let my uterus do the work”. When I emerged, the “rest” appeared to have done its job and my body was really ready to get going with this baby.

It wasn’t long until I was ready to try getting in the tub again and Michael called Pam to tell her she and her assistant Monica had better come back. The water was warmer and there were pots of water boiling on the stove that were being added frequently. It felt nice to have the warm water flow toward me. However, this time in the tub was extremely challenging. I had to completely focus on moving and moaning through each wave. My body swayed from side to side, I lifted my pelvis up and down, and I kicked my legs back so that I looked like a frog. Somehow I needed to move this baby down.

Eventually, the waves were coming very fast and intensely. I remember thinking that there was no way out of this but through. Somehow I just needed to be patient and let my body do its work. I knew that this was the time that women who had every intention of birthing naturally might slip and ask for drugs. It took every ounce of courage and strength to make it through these feelings. I asked my doula several times, “Are you sure I am doing this right?” and she assured me that I was doing just fine. I was very thankful to be in the comfort of my own home and to work through this time in my living room. It would have been very easy to ask for pain relief at this point had I been in the hospital!

At times, I would throw my arms around Michael because it was very difficult to keep my shoulders loose. I remember Pam saying, “Look into his eyes, let him give you strength.” I certainly needed it! I felt like a wild animal, my body had completely taken over. There was nothing I could do but surrender to it. And it was challenging!

At some point while laboring in the tub, I turned so that my belly was pointing up and I felt the strangest popping sensation, like a balloon had just shot out of me. “I think my water just broke!” I exclaimed. They confirmed with a flashlight that there were bits of vernix floating around suggesting that it had broken. Little did I know that I still had another 3 hours of this journey left!

Between each wave, I could do nothing but rest. I felt someone pouring water over my shoulders and chest, but I didn’t even know whom it was. Someone else was putting warm compresses on my forehead. In each period of rest, I tried to focus on finding strength to ride the next wave. I prayed that my body would relax and stay calm through each one.

When one overtook me, I remember groaning and shouting various random comments like, “THIS FEELS SO WEIRD!” Reflecting back on my time in the tub feels like a dream.

It was a time of the most intense physical sensations and challenging mental space of my life. I am in awe of myself that I could do this.

Eventually, I could sense someone looking for the head with a flashlight and I also remember the baby’s heart rate being checked. The baby was totally fine, but this was taking quite awhile. Pam suggested that she check to see how far dilated I had become. Perhaps there was a cervical lip holding things up. When she said this, I couldn’t imagine getting out of the pool or moving anywhere. However, I managed one more contraction and then got out and on to the couch.

She checked me and said right away, “You’re 10 centimeters. This baby is ready to come out. Do you want to get back in the pool or try something new?”

I had no ability to make a decision, but I think I must have agreed to try something new since I had just dried off. Someone suggested the birthing stool, which sounded like a decent plan so I hobbled to it.

I was really feeling pushy at this point and ready to move the baby down. However, she was still taking her sweet time. “Please come down, baby!” I pleaded with her, but despite many pushes on the stool, we still weren’t getting much closer.

Pam suggested pushing on the bed with my knees up. What the heck, I would try anything at this point. I tried moving toward the bedroom, but fell to my knees at the door to the room. When you’re body says push, it says push! Everyone came quickly to me and placed chuck pads beneath me just in case. But I just had one round of pushing there before I was in the bed.

I remember recalling from other birth stories that many women enjoy the pushing stage because they feel more in control of what is happening. However, I’m not sure I felt that sense of relief – it still felt like this was extremely difficult! But I knew we were closer. I just had this one last hurdle.

Finally we reached a point where Pam and Michael said they could see the top of her head. She was coming closer! With each push, there was a little more of her visible, but then she would go back in. We soon learned that she had an impressive amount of hair!

While everyone was thinking about her hair, I was feeling some very intense sensations of pressure and stretching. I’ve heard people refer to this as the “ring of fire” and although I’m not sure that’s exactly how it felt, it was certainly very intense and I was looking forward to her head coming out to feel some relief. I couldn’t believe how this felt! I was given a mirror and told to look – sure enough, I was opening and my baby’s head was right there! Pam told me to feel for her – she was warm and wet and it felt unbelievable!

Pam had olive oil out and really helped me to push at a good pace (in the end, I didn’t tear at all!). I was just trying to stay focused and give it my all when each wave came to help me. Doula Rachel continued to put compresses on my forehead and made sure that I was lifting my legs appropriately.

I remember looking out the window and seeing the crescent moon. It was a beautiful reminder of who I was doing all this for – my baby whose middle name is Luna. That was quite a special moment.

I don’t know how long after that it was until her head finally crowned. With a few more total-body, completely concentrated pushes, I birthed my baby’s head. What relief! Almost done. I pushed her shoulders out quickly after and Michael scooped the rest of her out of my body. He placed her right on my tummy and I felt her warm, wet, wiggly body for the first time. Her cord was a bit short so she needed to stay on my belly, but I was in shock. My baby was here!

She breathed very quickly and began her newborn cry soon after. I began singing her special song and she seemed to recognize it right away. It made her slow her crying significantly. I couldn’t stop looking at her – who was this person with these wide eyes?

Unfortunately, I got a little distracted from my bliss during this time because part of my placenta was not coming out. Pam was rubbing on my uterus as her assistant Monica was gently tugging on the cord. She gave me some herbs to help my uterus contract and soon I was back on the birthing stool trying to expel the rest. It finally came, but it did scare me that something bad might happen after I had just made it through such an intense birth!

It all came out, however, and I was fine with a new baby in my arms. Wow! Michael was beaming and was so proud of me. He had done such a great job coaching, especially through the pushing phase as he could more easily report on what was happening and exclaim, “You’re doing it! Great job!” He was such an important part of feeling calm and supported throughout my entire pregnancy and the birth. He never let me doubt myself and he had amazing faith in my ability to birth naturally. He is amazing!

After we were settled back on the bed, Michael and I spent some time gazing at our new baby while doula Rachel cooked us a breakfast of eggs and toast, and Pam and Monica were cleaning up after the birth. I could barely eat I was so excited, but I was also extremely hungry and the eggs tasted great. Our baby was finally here! I had actually achieved my goal of an all-natural, peaceful homebirth to start my baby’s life in the most gentle way possible. It was very challenging, but it was very worth it. I am so proud of myself and my abilities. I have never spent so much time, emotional, and spiritual energy preparing for anything as I had in preparing for this birth and I achieved my goal. I feel like I can do anything! I also feel so proud for sticking with the way I wanted this birth to be (i.e., natural and at home) rather than falling victim to the fear and uncertainty that exists around natural birth in our culture at large.

I see why people choose to birth naturally and I love what I have learned and who I have become. I am now a mother. Not only was my baby born, but I birthed myself into my new role very confident that I can do anything I set my mind to.

* * *

Thank you Christine Cassella for sharing your story and photos (many taken by doula Rachel Mueller)!

Christine is a permaculturist, herbalist, and biologist doing her best to follow the rhythms of the natural world. She likes to write about herbalism, backyard farming & permaculture projects, simple living, and finding spirit in nature. She is also an attachment/gentle parent and natural birth advocate. Visit her blog at http://theselightfootsteps.com/.

The Story of Brazilian Midwife Dona Ivani

Traditional Wisdom: Honoring & Reclaiming the Heart of Birth, The Beautiful Story of Midwife Dona Ivani

This story is a good example of the rich discussions we had last fall at the Human Rights in Childbirth Conference about every MotherBaby’s Father, Partner and Family’s right to give birth with respect, dignity, collaborative decision making, with whom, where and how they choose. With a long rich history of midwifery around the world it feels good to honor the midwives who paved the path and whose wisdom and caring that Gabriela so eloquently captures as in celebrating Midwife Dona Ivani. At the HRiC conference, in my roundtable with Robbie Davis-Floyd on cultural perspectives, one of the many topics discussed was how it is not enough to just survive childbirth, MotherBaby’s must also thrive. We are learning how birth effects us emotionally in both the short and long term. It is the heart, the caring, nurturing and support that we must reclaim and value as much as safety, the part that traditional midwives such as Dona Ivani embodies. Thank you Gabriela for sharing.

Submitted by: Gabriela Azcoaga Klett, Sana, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

The day we chose to make our first midwife’s meeting in the countryside was the same day there were protest in the streets of Brasil about birth humanization. As my friend doula Fabiolla said, we were protesting too in another way…

We decided to honor the traditional midwifes that worked in the valleys of the Rio de Janeiro state not so long ago, because the more we know about them, more our admiration. Here I want to share the story of Dona Ivani. She is 77 years old and we had the pleasure of her presence, hearing her story and even share a yoga class with her!

Dona Ivani was an orphan. She grew up in an orphan house and as the years went by she became to be known as the “mother of the country.”

Her first child was born when she was a teenager, and the birth was attended by a midwife in the city of Rio de Janeiro. She lived in a neighborhood where people were friendly and women started calling her to help in births- she doesn’t know why, maybe because she was gentle, maybe because it was her destiny. So she acquired some experience, and when she went back to the countryside, people knew about her and started going to her house looking for help. Not only women in labour but people with any health problem. There was no hospital in the area at the time, no doctors. Her house became the only place, she did not only the attention but also feed them and took care of the children that came together.

1380539_10201716448529593_839102282_n — Dona Ivani midwife and a yoga class.

The neighbors helped her in her mission, as women arrived from all over walking long distances. She managed to have a place with clean sheets for everyone, and clothes for the baby. At the time it was was difficult- no electric light, no transport, wood for cooking. But she says she had always successful, even with some hard situations, she felt she had a protection from heaven. With time she was recognized for her work and authorities decided to help her. She fighter hard for an ambulance that finally arrived in the 80’s. She was called to work in the city hospital and had a salary after long years of volunteer work, and when she went back home after work she attended women that was expecting for her there.

Now she’s a beautiful grandmother and she says she misses her time, time of solidarity.

Thank you Dona Ivani, your life is an incredible example.

Vita Nascita: Life, Birth in Campania

Join me for Orgasmic Italy: Amalfi Coast Women’s Retreat & Tour. Registration opening soon!

“It all began one sunny day on my honey moon in Positano Italy almost 14 years ago.”

Vita Nascita. Life birth. Weather we are birthing new life spiritually to ourselves, or physically (and spiritually) to a new baby- it is always important to nurture ourselves. That is why I am so excited to have 2 workshops in Italy this summer. I love the element of water to enhance our connection to our emotions, it is no surprise that both my summer workshops are near the water.

People know I like to share the best-kept secret, as in our documentary Orgasmic Birth where we share that pleasure in childbirth is not only possible but something we need to talk about. I also love to look at the herstory of childbirth and the herstory of my family roots to Italy.

It all began one sunny day… on my honey moon in Positano Italy almost 14 years ago. My husband and I were driving and saw a sign for the town of Agerola (a-gzher-ola) that I knew was where my great-grandmother was born. We began the windy drive up, up, up to the top of the mountain and found absolutely stunning views of the Mediterranean. We started searching for my family and soon people were helping us and, we found my family!

What a surprise when I found my cousins who still have the home where my great-grandmother was born in. With stories and old photos we have pieced together our family-ties and since then have developed a close bond and deep love for them and the traditions and culture of Agerola. It was amazing story, that still touches my heart today, as I reconnected our family.

Produce Truck — Fresh produce truck stopping so we can buy vegetables & fruit at my family’s home in Agerola. I love it!

View from Debra's room at Hotel Le Rocce. — View from Debra’s room at Hotel Le Rocce.

That is why this summer I am so excited to share my family and one of my favorite places with an intimate group. I have come to know the many treasures that are hidden in this mountain village and am so looking forward to sharing the pleasures of life, history, art, dance, food and music of Agerola, Italy with others.

My friend Jacqueline is joining us to translate. Family friend, Salvatore, will host us at his Hotel Le Rocce where from one’s room you can look out at the whole coast seeing views of Positano, Amalfi, and the Mediterranean sea below.

At the hotel, I’ll guide us thru some workshops to help us all open up, decompress, revel, and reconnect- vita nascita! We will meet my dear cousin Graziella, who has shown me the many treasures and traditions in this special region and she will help lead the group into town to visit a family friend’s panetteria, the pottery shop, the mozzarella maker, and more. Our driver, Efisio, will take us on special day trips to Amalfi and Ravello and we will walk to Positano via the famous Path of the Gods (and share some secret treasures that only the locals know about!).

So looking forward to the celebrations of life in Campania and to giving birth to the life within us- Vita Nascita, and awakening our inner wisdom! Join me on the Amalfi Coast Women’s Retreat and Tour!

Amazing Waterfalls on The Path of the Fairies - it is said the water from these springs bring you memories from past times. — Amazing Waterfalls on The Path of the Fairies – it is said the water from these springs bring you memories from past times.

Antonio shares his discoveries in this church with us.

One of the many churches in Agerola filled with art and treasures.

Classic Italian Pottery of the Amalfi Coast, made in Agerola, Italy- we will visit her shop.

My cousin, Graziella cooking home made pasta, with vegetables from the garden. Delicious!

A typical lunch, fresh Mozzarella, fresh Ricotta, made this morning down the road, homemade Bread from the bakery, homemade Pasta & homemade wine, a feast for lunch at my families home in Agerola

How to Lead a Laboring Woman Towards Pleasure

Cold. White. Warm. Pleasure. Connection. Nurturing. Sharing. Love… These are all words I feel this week co-teaching a doula workshop in Montreal with Rivka Cymbalist, author of The Birth Conspiracy and founder of the Montreal Birth Companions. Being in Montreal is filling me with many emotions since I attended McGill University there, was married there, and gave birth to my first son there. Each street corner brings a flood of memories. Montreal is where I entered the sacred gate of motherhood that led me onto my life journey of bringing information, wisdom and pleasure to all as they prepare for childbirth. While pregnant, I realized I had been blessed with confidence and knowledge from the grandmother’s before me.

In this video Debra shares about her first personal experience with birth, in Montreal.

Yet so many women seemed to have lost their connection to the birth stories and the knowledge held by all the women who have given birth before us. As I navigated the system to claim my power- to birth my son with trust, confidence and pleasure, I felt my body, fill with power and grace. I birthed myself into motherhood, into a strong woman that has now lead to my return to share this knowledge and the many stories from the 1000’s of women I have been blessed to meet and share their birth and/or stories with, who have reclaimed this sacred inner wisdom.

Rivka leading a discussion at the Montreal Doula Workshop.

In our doula circle, Rivka asked: “How can a doula maintain a foundation of pleasure for women prenatally and in labor, birth and beyond?” Our group of doulas suggested the following ideas and questions to consider, which can all be used by a doula or partner:

1. Providing access to information, and facilitating informed decision-making. Would you like more information?

2. Women find pleasure when they feel calm and confident. What helps you feel calm?

3, With food, special foods you enjoy in your culture. What food nourishes you?

4. Touch and hugs. Do you like to be touched? How?

5. Are you happy? A smile can change our hormones and bring more pleasure.

“Prenatal is a time of hope, of looking forward, even if we have conceived in challenging circumstances, there is still an element of hope when pregnant.” Rivka smiles as her wisdom feels so natural and we each understand how a doula can nurture and help a woman prepare for a pleasurable childbirth.

6. Comfort measures in childbirth. I shared that I have a Mary Poppin’s bag full of pleasure tips for comfort in childbirth that I shared with the doulas so they can pass them along. What comfort options will help you move from pain to pleasure and find comfort in childbirth?

7. Love her thru labor!

When is the last time you heard I love you? Share your love. Rivka says she tells women she loves them, she loves watching women in labor, women in labor are the most beautiful! I am reminded of Ina May Gaskin’s quote” If a women in labor does not look like a Goddess you are doing something wrong!”

8. “Don’t just do something, Sit there!” If the birth is going well, respect women for what she is doing. A laboring women will let you know what she needs if you listen.

9. Do not argue with anyone in the room. Maintain an environment of peace. Be respectful and loving to everyone in the room.

10. Support and respect the partner and the intimacy of the couple.

11. Music: Can create sensuous, intimate feelings and memories. What music or sounds brings you pleasure?

12. Adjust lighting that creates a safe, pleasurable feeling: What type of lighting creates safety and pleasure for you?

13. Breathing: What type of breathing helps you relax?

14. Listen to Women, honor her-story!

15. Support and provide breastfeeding information.

“Breastfeeding is a huge source of pleasure in a women’s life, whatever else is happening in her life, she will find pleasure in the special relationship and bonding that breastfeeding will bring.” – Rivka Cymbalist

16. “Postpartum stay naked in bed. Staying in bed, naked from the waist up with your baby helps restrict unnecessary visitors,” Rivka shares to help mothers to enjoy the sacred babymoon time while others can nurture you, cook for you and care for you and your family.

17. Tenderness: Be Tender to yourself and surround yourself with people who will be tender to you.

18. Next we had the pleasure of a talk from Julie Bonapace who taught us how the three endogenous mechanisms can relieve pain. Rather than try to capture all the great information she shared, look for her guest blog soon that will revolutionize the way you look at finding comfort in childbirth.

19. Birth is sexual! How can you incorporate and honor your sexuality in childbirth?

Wow, what a great doula list of tips to help every woman and her partner to find pleasure in childbirth and beyond. Please add your tips too, so that we can continue adding to our list of pleasurable birth tips!

Learn more about Montreal Birth Companions or order Rivka’s book, The Birth Conspiracy.

Ecological Model of Birth from Midwife Verena Schmid

Roberta’s Interlude in Italy

Join Debra on the Amalfi Coast

Agerola La Grande Terrarra Sul Mare – Agerola the Big Terrace on the Sea

Join Debra in Italy this summer

Learn more about

Pleasures of the Amalfi Coast Women’s Retreat

Join Debra in Italy this summer

The Time is Now! Doulas Reconnect The Circle of Support

Join me for more nuggets as I plan to video blog more about ways you can move from pain to power in childbirth and beyond!

Cora Luna’s Peaceful Homebirth

The Story of Brazilian Midwife Dona Ivani

Vita Nascita: Life, Birth in Campania

How to Lead a Laboring Woman Towards Pleasure

FRIDAY January 31st is the LAST DAY to sign up for Kim Anami’s class- sign up today, don’t miss out!

Categories

Debra Pascali-Bonaro Blog RSS

deb

Learn more about

Join me for more nuggets as I plan to video blog more about ways you can move from pain to power in childbirth and beyond!

FRIDAY January 31st is the LAST DAY to sign up for Kim Anami’s class- sign up today, don’t miss out!

Footer

Categories