The Lion Effect

Extremely insightful look at the effects of fear and other emotions on active labor.

Mumanu: the new way to sleep

Humans, like any other animal who is preyed on, are sensitive to certain stimuli getting their adrenalin levels rising ready to fight or run and sometimes to freeze. I call this ‘The Lion Effect’; when in times of stress or perceived stress a person will get themselves ready for danger to protect themselves or their young for survival.

Not that long ago, in terms of natural history, us westerners were living in caves as tribes. There are many human populations who still live this way where medical care is scarce and the danger of being killed by wild animals or people from other tribes is a reality. The ability to respond to perceived danger is vital and we have, along with other animals, developed a way to respond that means we don’t have to think too much about it; it’s automatic.

Our modern day, western society hasn’t actually changed this…

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The Start of My Path to Midwifery

So last summer, I was scanning through Netflix one day looking for something good to watch, and this documentary caught my eye.  It’s called The Business of Being Born, directed by Abby Epstein and produced by Ricki Lake.  It seemed pretty interesting, so I popped it on and settled in.  I was mesmerized.  That hour and a half began a journey of research, discovery, and dreams for me.

So The Business of Being Born was flipping fantastic.  It presented not only what birth, done naturally and beautifully, looks.  It also presented research, showed the other options women have to give birth, interviewed midwives, doulas, and OB/GYNs, and also showed that midwives are trained, smart, empathetic women who know what they are doing.This documentary is the first time I really saw a birth.  And not only did I see natural home births, a caesarean was included, as well as birth center experiences. It ignited this fire in me to learn more, see more, experience it.  And three months later, the idea of becoming a midwife slowly began worming it’s way into my mind.

Something important to know about me: Once I’ve decided something, it’s DONE.  And I think the idea of becoming a midwife quickly morphed into a goal, and I began trying to figure out how to make it happen.  I start at Maternidad La Luz (god willing, still waiting for acceptance!) next September, and I couldn’t be more excited.  This is me.  My calling.  My passion.  And I can’t imagine it any other way!