Considering the thought process of the mother, her spiritual practices, her state of well-being and how these - the mind, body, spirit - play together is a holistic perspective. A sensitive observer notices how changes in the mother’s body position affect her state of mind, her emotions and vice versa. The impact of a damaged body or psyche on the spirit is lost on no one just as the spiritual impact of an undisturbed, ecstatic birth experience is undeniable.
Undoubtedly, being fully present for the birth of a child is an immense gift. The Quantum Birth Attendant meditates on the nature of all that is, at its simplest, most pure form. Potentially, she experiences transformation simply for having fully immersed her Self consciously in the sacred experience. In essence, she has experienced oneness and in her integration, contemplates the alchemy created by herself and those with whom she shared this sacred space - particularly the laboring woman.
When aware and celebratory of their innate power, birthing women are radiant - expressing pure love and consciousness. Enter the moths - light seeking creatures of devotion, unaware of the gifts of darkness . In self-sacrifice, women who attend other women’s births, frequently give up attention to their own self-care, in order to serve.
Qualities such as humility, service, flexibility, reverent, impartial, neutral, devoted are hallmarks of “good” birth attendants. But what of the negative qualities - the dark side of birth care-giving? Bullying, for example is written about minimally in some midwifery publications and on-line forums. Virtually nothing is written or discussed about greed, insecurity, egocentrism, woundedness, projection, dishonesty, or manipulation. Yet, as we are all human and breathe, we must be certain that these qualities exist in all of us to some degree.
Debbie Ford .suggests that “[o]ur so-called defects are powerful teachers, becoming our greatest assets and source of wisdom. In this there is self-love, freedom, and an ability to be with the darkness in others. It is the path of the Heart Warrior.” Calling to light these assets is Shadow Work - an essential process for those who touch the transformative experience of childbirth.
Indeed, the call to attend birth is a powerful one and an opportunity to root deeper into our existence, calling forth meaning and offering our gifts more fully in concert with others. There is no need to burn out. If shadow work is fertile ground to be cultivated, then we benefit from the act of cultivating, the harvest we reap, and the sharing of gifts.
Contact The Pregnant Point (pregnantpoint at gmail dot com) to inquire about details and register for Birth in the Shadow - a personal development process for birth professionals.
