Historical, Sociological, Anthropological Perspectives on Birth and Support During the Birthing Process
Here is a basic overview that deals with these historical/sociological/ anthropological issues:
Childbirth is a uniquely FEMALE experience that is universal. Women in nations worldwide, regardless of cultural or religious background, experience childbirth. While many cultures may add rituals to the experience, which can sometimes add lot of meaning, interest, and spiritual significance to some, generally, the basis of childbirth, the contraction of the uterus, the expelling of a baby through the birth canal, or birth by c-section, will occur the same for all women, so it is something that joins women world wide, regardless of colour, race, religion or cultural background. Up until about 100-200 years ago, historical and anthropological evidence through illustrations, be they on cave walls or in books, sculptures, carvings, pottery, wall hangings or historical writings tell us 3 very distinct features about childbirth:
1. Women primarily birthed in upright positions.
-there was a variety of methods used to be upright either by self strength, or supported by something, or someone.
2. Women attended women.
-women eagerly supported one another through the birth process, often travelling long distances and staying for days or weeks to aid their birthing relatives or friends.
-Midwifery was a common word in birthing communities.
-Midwives were respected and valued.
-Daughters or the younger women in the community were often involved in the births and the process was familiar to them when it their turn to give birth.
-Until about 100-150 years ago, in most cultures, it was considered not appropriate for a male to be involved.
3. Birth took place at home.
"If we hope to create a non-violent world where respect and kindness replace fear and hatred, we must begin with how we treat each other at the beginning of life. For that is where our deepest patterns are set. From these roots grow fear and alienation, or love and trust." -Quote from Suzanne Arms
Here is a basic overview that deals with these historical/sociological/ anthropological issues:
Childbirth is a uniquely FEMALE experience that is universal. Women in nations worldwide, regardless of cultural or religious background, experience childbirth. While many cultures may add rituals to the experience, which can sometimes add lot of meaning, interest, and spiritual significance to some, generally, the basis of childbirth, the contraction of the uterus, the expelling of a baby through the birth canal, or birth by c-section, will occur the same for all women, so it is something that joins women world wide, regardless of colour, race, religion or cultural background. Up until about 100-200 years ago, historical and anthropological evidence through illustrations, be they on cave walls or in books, sculptures, carvings, pottery, wall hangings or historical writings tell us 3 very distinct features about childbirth:
1. Women primarily birthed in upright positions.
-there was a variety of methods used to be upright either by self strength, or supported by something, or someone.
2. Women attended women.
-women eagerly supported one another through the birth process, often travelling long distances and staying for days or weeks to aid their birthing relatives or friends.
-Midwifery was a common word in birthing communities.
-Midwives were respected and valued.
-Daughters or the younger women in the community were often involved in the births and the process was familiar to them when it their turn to give birth.
-Until about 100-150 years ago, in most cultures, it was considered not appropriate for a male to be involved.
3. Birth took place at home.
"If we hope to create a non-violent world where respect and kindness replace fear and hatred, we must begin with how we treat each other at the beginning of life. For that is where our deepest patterns are set. From these roots grow fear and alienation, or love and trust." -Quote from Suzanne Arms
"Attending births is like growing roses. You have to marvel at the ones that just open up and bloom at the
first kiss of the sun but you wouldn't dream of pulling open the petals of the tightly closed buds and
forcing them to blossom to your time line."
Gloria Lemay, birth educator, Doula
first kiss of the sun but you wouldn't dream of pulling open the petals of the tightly closed buds and
forcing them to blossom to your time line."
Gloria Lemay, birth educator, Doula
Birth Prep Classes are organized on demand. A minimum of 4 registered participants/couples is required to offer the class.
To request a class email: [email protected]
To request a class email: [email protected]
