“Spiritual” Midwifery

Calling oneself a “spiritual midwife” has always seemed like such a haughty, egotistical label to me. It used to seem to invoke the whole Ina May Gaskin thing (not that there’s anything wrong with that per se, but still..) or imply that somehow a “spiritual midwife” has reached some higher state of Consciousness. And it’s not that I don’t recall these labels when someone does indeed mention spiritual midwifery, but as I grow and change as a midwife I am writing my own definition.

How does spiritual midwifery relate to me, and to how I practice? The best way I can describe this at the present moment is to go into my prayer/mantra to the Universe that I say daily. It changes a bit each time I say it, but the bulk of it stays the same. I offer it up each day as a prayer and as a plea for guidance and protection, for myself and the mamas and babies I serve. I offer it to the Universe in trust that it will hear me and receive this offering.

Thank you, Universe, for this beautiful day. I appreciate the strong sun in the sky, and the grounding mountains that remain unchanged. Thank you for the wind and the water; the key elements of summer; and of course for the heat and the fire, which we know very well right now. I ask for the path in front of me to be clear, for it to be easy to navigate. I ask for your protection, that my hands and heart might know what to do. I ask for protection for all mamas and babies, that the mamas may birth easily and that the babies be born in health, strength and vitality, into their rightful place in this lifetime. I ask for Divine protection, that my soul may be confident and strong in it’s path and learn the lessons that are needed for this lifetime. Help me greet each person I meet with love. May love shine out in front of me like a strong, white light and lead the way. I am open to the people and lessons of this lifetime and go out into the world with confidence, strength and love for all.