For all of us in midwifery globally it is easy to feel there is only ‘our way’ of caring for women and forget midwives have been around for millennia and across all settings. Recently, Dianne Garland, Freelance Midwife, spent time travelling in South America, and shares some of her experience of birth practice in a different culture.
Two years ago my husband and I started to plan a once in a lifetime trip to South America. What had started as a holiday developed over the four weeks of travel into an insight into birth on a continent which I knew very little about. It became transformative and enlightening, and the journey I hope will continue now I’m back home.
The first spiritually enlightening moment was when we visited Iguazu falls on the Brazilian Argentinian border. I remembered why I have been drawn to water all my life, swimming and relaxing in baths has always been my love. This passion was developed in my role as a midwife supporting the first waterbirth mother in a home-made pool, at Maidstone hospital Kent 1987. The falls added a new dimension, the noise, power and the amount of water pouring over rocks and cliffs. It felt spiritual, calling me to edge closer which I did, within the limits of safety. I felt a connection with this water and could see why women were drawn to water for birth. I have written, studied, taught and supported women wishing to use water worldwide. My own book has documented stories of water, being used during birth and rituals in many cultures worldwide. I plan to follow this up in San Paulo Brazil when I return to teach in October 2025.
Iguazu falls Brazil
In Lima, Peru we visited a museum and wandering away from the main exhibits I discovered a large display of “erotica” statues and water holders. They were of course birth statues. As you can see there are women giving birth upright with birth companion support and a midwife ready to catch the baby. Many statues showed breastfeeding mothers which was obviously important to the health of mother and baby, and culture development.
As we headed into Cusco at 3,399 m above sea level we were offered by our guide “Aqua de Florida”, a spiritual and ritual liquid used in shamamic traditions. My daily life circle was closing, as it is used for spiritual cleansing, create protective energy fields and remove heavy or negative energy from the body’s energy field. It has interesting ingredients include alcohol, water, and a blend of fragrance oils, including notes of bergamot, lavender, lemon, clove, cinnamon, neroli, jasmine, and musk. I am certainly no expert on the effects of these constituents, but there was an essence of power (meaning I climbed up to Machu Pichu unassisted and with no altitude sickness!).
Shamanic birth rituals often involve creating a sacred space, utilizing drums and other sound modalities to support the birthing process, and connecting with the spirit world for guidance and protection. These rituals aim to honour the transition of birth, reduce pain and intensity, and foster a sense of connection between the mother, baby, and the spiritual realm.
Here’s a more detailed look at some common shamanic birth practices:
- Creating a Sacred Space:
The birth environment is often transformed into a sacred space through the use of natural elements, art, and sound.
- Drumming and Sound:
Drumming can be used to create a rhythmic beat that helps the mother focus her energy and reduce pain during contractions. Other sound modalities, like singing or chanting, may also be incorporated.
- Connection with the Spirit World:
Shamans may communicate with spirits or ancestors to seek guidance and support during the birth process. This may involve chanting, storytelling, or other rituals.
- Honouring the Body and Spirit:
Shamanic practices often emphasize the importance of respecting the mother’s body and the spirit of the child, recognizing the sacredness of birth.
- Protection and Guidance:
Shamans may perform rituals to protect the mother and baby from negative energies or spirits, ensuring a safe and positive birth experience.
Many of these practices resonate in birth environments which midwives often aim to create, we have a lot to learn from our elders and traditions.
Machu Pichu Peru. 2430 metres above sea level.
As we entered Machu Pichu my inner strength was positive, I walked through Inca ruins not discovered until 1911, but this amazing city which existed from 1450 to 1540 AD. The power of mountains, misty cloud and water was overwhelming and closed my journey circle.
I will remember these experiences and positive impacts on my personal and professional life for years to come, and will use some of my photographs and stories in my teaching worldwide.
Dianne Garland Freelance Midwife. FRCM SRN RM ADM PGCEA MSc
May 2025
NB: all images © DGarland