Prague Birth Guardians
It is just three weeks ago I returned from my first ever trip to Prague in the Czech Republic. I was invited by the Propolis Foundation after my friend Michaela had undertaken the task of translating my book, The Basic Needs of a Woman in Labour, into the Czech language. I was invited to come and be the keynote speaker at the Respect for Childbirth festival, an inspiring yearly event that has been running for over twenty years now!To initiate my time there, I held a daylong workshop with a group of birth attendants, a diverse group of people holding space for birth in various capacities. From my side, my intention for this workshop was to create a day for those who hold space for birth, to slow down, connect with themselves and to one another. As someone who knows what it is like to be of service to birth, I know how challenging it can be to take time for yourself to pause and reflect and JUST BE!So this was the space and the gift I wanted to create for these women (and one man!) who daily give of themselves and ensure that mothers, babies, and families are loved, nurtured and taken care of. To create a big warm thank you container for the work they do (in whatever capacity) and the energy they put into the nourishing and nurturing and holding of birth, mothers, babies and families. We incorporated sharing, listening, meditation, singing, dancing and other movement meditations. And laughter! Here are some pictures from our day together. Isn’t it beautiful to see these caregivers taking care of one another with such love and tenders, and to see this love and care being received so...
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