Childbirth in Community

Visitors to Dancing Rabbit and the tri-communities area note the small pack of children under the age of three and often ask, "Where do women have their babies here?" It may appear as if we live fairly far from civilization in rural Missouri, but believe it or not women here actually have a few options. Thus far, most of us have seemed to opt for a homebirth under the care of a trained midwife. For the past few years, I have had the great honor of being the midwife that provides care to the handful of pregnant women in our greater community area.

The birth of a child is a well-known rite of passage. Most of us are familiar with some of the trappings associated with the childbirth experience but know very little of the reality. We hear words and phrases like dilation, contractions, water breaking, morning sickness, etc. yet many of us have not shared the experience of or witnessed a pregnancy or birth in a personal way until it becomes, well, personal. With childbirth in community, we can't help but learn the realities, both the fears and the magic, associated with all aspects of the childbearing year. It is my hope that living in community helps teach us awe and respect rather than fear of birth.

I didn't realize what I was getting into when I moved to Dancing Rabbit. Before living here, I saw my clients for their regular appointments and then I typically had little contact with them until we met again. If something came up between appointments that seemed urgent, they usually called, but those calls were fairly infrequent. My personal and professional lives were clearly separate. Here at Dancing Rabbit, it is impossible to separate the two. I eat meals, participate in meetings, or interact in some form or another with my clients daily. I share so much with them, in fact, that it would seem silly to even try to separate our interactions. Over time, I have come to prefer this style of care. I enjoy how easy it is to alleviate a woman's worry or concern when she simply leans over at the dinner table and picks my brain. I adore watching our children grow, knowing that I first met them at birth. I love watching others participate in the process too, and with that see the base of knowledge about pregnancy, birth, and newborns growing among members of this community. To put it simply, birth is becoming common, and I believe that just might be a good thing.

Beyond becoming common, we may even be establishing basic norms and even our own culture around birth at Dancing Rabbit. I think it is safe to say that anyone living here knows what it means to be "on-call for a birth." Also, while it is hard to keep secret the fact that someone is in labor, I have seen nothing but reverence for the birthing family as folks wholeheartedly attempt to meet the requested needs of the birthing family during such a momentous time. The birthing mother is given privacy both during and after the birth. Close friends often show up with meals postpartum to help ensure healing and rest for the mother. When the family is ready to emerge from their cocoon, they are cast into a web of excitement as the newest child of our community is welcomed and adored!

I have not lived here long enough to see the long-term effects of a more regular birth culture at Dancing Rabbit, but I have seen many of the positive, small effects listed above. Additionally, I hear fewer questions and comments that relate to fear or misunderstanding of the birth experience. I feel thankful for the opportunity to work as a midwife in community. If feels profound to be in a place where birth feels comfortable and common, yet incredibly special.

March Hare Spring 2009 Issue 59

May Day		Rounds at Song Circle
I ♥ Dancing Rabbit		Childbirth at DR
Notable Quotables		YABRS Charter

editor@dancingrabbit.org

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