We believe that women need to prepare for natural birth in every aspect of their lives, including the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical areas of their being. A woman deserves the right to choose her companions as well as where and how she will give birth to her child. Pregnancy and birth are normal life events for most women.
To this end, interventions should be kept to a minimum wherever possible. A baby who is born gently and welcomed by warm, caring parents receives the best possible start in life. Women who are well prepared in their minds, bodies and spirits can experience birth as a profoundly moving and empowering event - a spiritual birth.
“There still remains the mysterious exception of birth pain.”
Eugene Marais was an Afrikaans (South African) genius and scientist, lawyer and poet. He spent years in the African wilderness observing termites or white ants, baboons and other animals and made a significant observation about the pain of childbirth. Continue reading
Little did I realise, 34 years ago, that giving birth to my baby at home was an exceptional event. For me giving birth at home seemed the most natural choice. After all, my ancestors had given birth for centuries with midwives in their homes. It felt right. I found a traditional midwife to assist me: a solid quiet woman who gave me confidence and did not rush me. Continue reading
Mtwana Birth Centre is proud to present International Healer and Ecstatic Birth proponent Binnie Dansby, who has been working with breath and ecstacy for 30 years. Her workshops are designed to empower each person through the use of practical and powerful tools, techniques, inspiration, and the breath. Continue reading
When I arrived at Penelope’s home, I found her in a makeshift plastic bath of warm water that her husband had rigged underneath the shower head in the apartment. She was curled up in a fetal position and there was a stillness about her. I arranged my midwifery bags, laid out a few things quietly and protected her privacy so that gentle silence enfolded us. Penelope turned on the shower Continue reading
In the wake of multiple acts of violence this year in Kenya, Nigeria, Beirut, and most recently Paris,I am overwhelmed with grief for all those who have lost their lives in these massacres. Yet I feel compelled to look into the deeper origins of the violence, as it is too easy to assign blame and find reasons to retaliate and thus perpetuate the violence. Continue reading
I am cooking up a storm in the kitchen, while waiting to be called for a birth, (a client called a few hours ago to say she may be in early labour). I am cooking because it keeps my hands busy and engages my mind in a familiar task. I know what to do. I have made lasagna a thousand times, Continue reading
For a healthy woman, home birth is an option that is not often considered in South Africa. Many women seem to desire to give birth in any number of private hospitals where their caesarian section rates are approximately 80%. Most women do not know that home birth is an option, especially when a natural birth is desired. Continue reading