Welcome to True Midwifery
A space for the remembrance, protection, and continued study of physiological birth
“You are a midwife, assisting at someone else’s birth.
Do good without show or fuss.
Facilitate what is happening rather than what you think ought to be happening.
If you must take the lead, lead so that the mother is helped, yet still free and in charge.
When the baby is born, the mother will rightly say,
“We did it ourselves!”
From the Tao Te Ching
CURRENT TRUE MIDWIFERY OFFERINGS
True Midwifery offers both live and self-paced learning spaces for birth attendants, mothers, and those called toward the deeper study of physiological birth, women’s health, listening, and traditional wisdom.
STUDY SPIRALS
Monthly online gatherings exploring birth, women’s health, physiology, traditional wisdom, and embodied practice through conversation and shared learning.
SILENT BIRTHKEEPER
A year-long immersion into listening, presence, self-inquiry, and the protection of physiological birth
Next cycle begins November 2026
BIRTH FIRST AID FOR MOTHER & BABY
Practical, physiology-centred birth first aid skills for mothers, birth attendants, and families.
Next cycle begins October 2026
BIRTH ATTENDANT REFLECTION CIRCLE
A carefully held and confidential space for birth attendants to gather in reflection, debriefing, shared wisdom, and ongoing community.
BASIC NEEDS OF BABIES
A gentle exploration of newborn needs, bonding, breastfeeding, sleep, nervous system regulation, and early life through a physiology-centred lens. Co-facilitated with Karin Slabaugh from Montessori for Life
IN-PERSON GATHERINGS & RETREATS
Seasonal in-person workshops, circles, and retreats in South Africa and abroad.
THE BASIC NEEDS OF A WOMAN IN LABOUR
(BOOK)
A concise, powerful guide by Ruth Ehrhardt, honouring the essential needs of labouring women with deep respect for the physiology of birth.
“To bring together what is important in such a small number of pages is a feat… it will be a turning point in the history of childbirth and therefore in the history of mankind.”
— Michel Odent
Available in 16+ languages (paperback & ebook)
Interested in purchasing bulk copies?
TRUE MIDWIFERY WRITINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Essays, reflections, and writings on birth, listening, physiology, motherhood, and the deeper layers of this work.
COMMUNITY / CONNECTION
Stay Connected
RUTH EHRHARDT
Certified Professional Midwife (USA)
Traditional Birth Attendant (ZA)
truemidwifery.com
Based in South Africa | Working Internationally
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