hollymilkowski

Book Review: “Birth As An American Rite of Passage”

“Birth as an American Rite of Passage” is an important book for learning about the different models and perspectives of childbirth, from the medical or technocratic to the holistic or “natural.” A largely controversial topic, I think the text does a nice job tackling this conversation by sharing information and making thoughtful arguments without ostracizing.Continue reading “Book Review: “Birth As An American Rite of Passage””

Book Review: “Ancient Map For Modern Birth”

This book is not quite like all the other books. Pam England’s “Ancient Map For Modern Birth” promises a tall order: an “ancient universal map.” The map laid out by Pam England is one that speaks of heroism while facing the unknowns brought to us by the timeless rites of passage duo: birth and parenthood. Continue reading “Book Review: “Ancient Map For Modern Birth””

Book Review: “Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering”

Heading into the world of mothering can feel confusing. Overwhelming. Scary. It’s not always clear who’s “right” about what, or where we can get complete information we trust, or how we can manifest the gentle kind of experience most of us want. How do we know what to learn first? What matters most — whatContinue reading “Book Review: “Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering””

Basic Labor Strategies

Behold, basic labor strategies for a natural birth! Alas, we do know the labor process is largely unpredictable (shall we say wonderfully mysterious?) and typically not wanting to follow any kind of measured, mechanical pattern. This list of ideas can be helpful even if your labor doesn’t compartmentalize itself into neat and easily identified “stages.”Continue reading “Basic Labor Strategies”

Book Review: “Indie Birth: A Story of Radical Birth Love”

I first read “Indie Birth: A Story of Radical Birth Love” during my time working through the Birth Warrior Project, which aims to enlighten doulas on this “radical” perspective of birthing. It is written by Maryn Green and Margo Blackstone, two independent midwives (and independent thinkers) who share the stories involved in their embrace ofContinue reading “Book Review: “Indie Birth: A Story of Radical Birth Love””