The Community Birth Project
"Woman to woman help though the rites of passage that are important in every birth has significance not only to the individuals directly involved, but for the whole community. The task in which the women are engaged is political. It forms the warp and weft of society." -Sheila Kitzinger
The Community Birth Project is simply an attempt to bring birth out of the books and into the hands of pregnant women. Historically, women have come of age in communities in which birth was a normal part of everyday life. A woman learned about the business of bearing babies from watching her
mothers, sisters, and neighbors give birth. When the time came for her
to give birth herself she was prepared; she not only knew about the
birthing process- she understood it.
Over time we lost this connection to our community, and in turn, to our bodies. Most women have never seen a live birth before they give birth, themselves. We learn about birth from books, anecdotal comments in the grocery store, and childbirth education classes- if we're lucky. We are disconnected from the reality of birth- from the sounds, smells, and sights of a child being born. As a result, many women go into labor fearful, unsure, and unconfident in her ability to give birth.
The Community Birth Project seeks to overcome the mystery surrounding childbirth and give power back to birthing women.
How it works
In action, there are four parts to The Community Birth Project.
Step One- Education
The first step is a 7 week educational series. This series is identical to the basic childbirth education series I teach regularly, with one notable exception. The last two weeks are spent reviewing how to support a woman in labor. This prepares the student for the next step in the process- participating in a live birth.
Step Two- Advocacy
My student now moves from the classroom and into the birthing room. I will bring my student along to a live birth I am attending as a Doula, much as an apprentice Doula would come along with the Doula who is training her. The extent to which the student is involved- as well as who’s birth she will be participating in, will be determined before labor begins.
Step Three- Bringing it all together
After a birth there is much emotional processing that needs to be done for those who participated- particularly for the pregnant student. This birth will hold much weight and significance to a pregnant woman. No matter what the outcome of the birth was, rather it was quick and painless or long and difficult, we will need to take time to understand what we have seen. I will have a meeting with my student after the birth to do just this; to problem solve, process and figure out what lessons we took from the experience.
Step Four- The Circle is complete
Once the student has reached her 40th week and is ready to give birth, she then has the option of allowing one of my other students to assist at her birth, thereby providing the same valuable experience she was given to someone else, benefiting from extra support, and seeing that the cyclic nature of community involved birth continues to grow.
If you would like to participate in this project or have any further questions, please email me at thejamber@gmail.com
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