What comes after reflective listening? What comes after the ministry of presence? Spiritual midwifery is a powerful framework for offering pastoral care in today's fast-paced environment. Midwifery offers ways of thinking about those who are served, the work itself, and what it means to be a clinical caregiver within the tradition of the care of souls. Spiritual midwifery has philosophical and spiritual roots that stem from the earliest seeds of Western thought, even back to Jesus and Socrates. Readers will find an inductive approach toward a conceptual model that offers insight for richer assessments and outcome-oriented goals of care. Part One sets out the metaphors of the midwife and the dialogue. Part Two unpacks the methodology behind the mechanics. Part Three looks at creative applications of midwifery, and is followed by a Symposium patterned after Plato's own Symposium. A rigorous theory remains at the center of the work, but the tone is poetically balanced enough to invite the transformation of the spiritual caregiver. From the philosophy of Heraclitus to the theology of Kierkegaard to the spiritual direction of Guenther, The Art of Spiritual Midwifery brings forth a comprehensive conception of pastoral care and its delivery.

Describes the role and practice of a spiritual director as distinct from pastoral care and from psychotherapy. Compares the spiritual director to a midwife for the soul, describing actions of teaching prayer and offering exercise suggestions.

The classic book on home birth. Stories of the experiences of parents and midwives during the birth process plus a technical manual for midwives, nurses, and doctors. Includes information on prenatal care and nutrition, labor, delivery techniques, care of the new baby, and breast-feeding.

Highlighting aspects of birth often taken for granted, ignored or left silenced, this book questions the art and meaning of childbirth. Addressing spirituality in and around the start of life from a variety of thought-provoking perspectives, it examines the apparent paradox of impersonal biomedical-technocratic systems operating alongside the meaningful experiences encountered by those involved. Themes covered include: Notions of holism and spirituality, culture, religion and spirituality Childbirth significance at societal level Spiritual care in maternity care provision Birth environment, mood, space and place Spiritual experience of all those involved, including health professionals Spiritual experience when birth is complex and challenging When birth and death are juxtaposed. Although there is considerable literature on spirituality at the end of life, this is the only book that draws together a global and multidisciplinary selection of academic researchers and practitioners to reflect on spirituality at the start of life. Each chapter explores the relevant theoretical background and makes links to practice, using case studies from research and practice. The chapters conclude by discussing: how spiritual care is, and should be, provided in this context; what practice approaches are beneficial; cross-cultural perspectives; and future directions for research. It is an important read for all those interested in childbirth, maternity care, social science perspectives on health and illness, and spirituality.

"Joellyn St. Pierre brings to The art of death midwifery an introduction and beginner's guide nearly two decades of work with the dying and those who support dying patients in homes, hospitals, and hospices. In these pages, caregivers will find compassionate and creative approaches designed to assist those who are helpmates. The author's techniques are designed to enhance the process of communing with the patient through multiple senses, thereby creating a level of comfort for the dying"--P. 4 of cover.

Everything you need to know to make breastfeeding a joyful, natural, and richly fulfilling experience for both you and your baby Drawing on her decades of experience in caring for pregnant women, mothers, and babies, Ina May Gaskin explores the health and psychological benefits of breastfeeding and gives you invaluable practical advice that will help you nurse your baby in the most fulfilling way possible. Inside you’ll find answers to virtually every question you have on breastfeeding, including topics such as •the benefits of breastfeeding •nursing challenges •pumps and other nursing products •sleeping arrangements •nursing and work •medications •nursing multiples •weaning •sick babies •nipplephobia, and much more Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding is filled with helpful advice, medical facts, and real-life stories that will help you understand how and why breastfeeding works and how you can use it to more deeply connect with your baby and your own body. Whether you’re planning to nurse for the first time or are looking for the latest, most up-to-date expert advice available, you couldn’t hope to find a better guide than Ina May.

Through information, her own experience, and client stories, Geneva Montano presents birthing people with the opportunity to create a pregnancy and birth where their babies are heard and trusted, where they are invited to tap into the innate knowing within their wombs and the opportunity to exit the popular birth narrative that is mired in fear, blame, and doubt. Her compassionately connected approach offers comfort in the midst of the challenges that new parents face. It anchors them in the ancient wisdom of spirit and body to address common fears and choices that arise for many birthing families. Wisdom from the Womb delivers empowerment through the art of storytelling and humor, the evidence of science and anecdote, the practices of peaceful stillness and aligned movement, and the ability we all have to listen to and trust ourselves and our babies. Proceeds from this book will be donated to Colorado Community Birth, a non-profit organization that offers volunteer birth services to people who would not otherwise be able to access them and mentorship to people who want to guide birthing people through the process as midwives and doulas. "Geneva's compelling stories will take you on a journey of understanding the importance of MotherBaby love and connection that begins in the womb and that will guide you to claim your power in birth and parenthood. This is a midwife's tale of transformation that will support you in connecting to your baby and your body and will open you to the miracles of birth in new ways. Birth is a day that impacts and sets the foundation for your baby and your relationships. There is no greater investment than in preparing for birth with love and connection. Geneva gives you a treasure of knowledge that will engage and inspire you and your baby to a lifelong relationship of trust and love." -Debra Pascali-Bonaro, author, Orgasmic Birth "In an experience that feels like there are countless decisions to be made, Geneva carves an intuitive path to bringing your baby smoothly and calmly into the world with her beautiful words and wisdom. Her book gently reminds you that, no matter your experience in pregnancy or birth, the answers you seek are within your womb." -Ricki Lake & Abby Epstein, filmmakers, The Business of Being Born Geneva Montano is a Colorado native and mother of four. She has been a birth worker since 2003 and has attended over 650 births in homes, birth centers, and hospitals. Geneva has had a lifelong passion for spirituality, art, and self-exploration. She believes that each birth teaches her and her clients the life lessons they have been seeking. Geneva is a Registered and Certified Professional Midwife, Certified Doula, Registered Yoga teacher, prenatal and postnatal yoga teacher, CPR instructor, body and energy worker, doula trainer, author, artist, and activist. She is certified in womb massage, holistic healing of the pregnant and postpartum bodies, NLP, quantum transformation, and more. She loves teaching, listening to people's stories with her ears, heart, and hands, and being a vessel for transmitting divine healing to bodies and spirits. Midwife. Doula. Spirit Medicine. www.GenevaMontano.com