Awake : Influenced by past

Influenced by past

In Aztec Mythology Tlazolteotl is a goddess of purification, steam bath, midwives, filth, and a patroness of adulterers."Filth Goddess", a mother-earth goddess, human fertility and of sexuality. Tlazolteotl is associated with the moon.

A twelfth century sheela na gig on the church at Kilpeck, Herefordshire, England

The Kilpeck

On the tower of the Parish church of Twywell near Kettering.

The Twywell Sheela na Gig

References to midwives are found in ancient Hindu records, in Greek and Roman manuscripts, and even in the Bible:

"And when she (Rachel) was in her hard labor, the midwife said to her, 'Fear not, for now you will have another son.'" - Genesis 35:17

"Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty." - Exodus 1:20

Angkor Wat Cambodia

An example of Hindu child birth art. This mother is surrounded by five attendants and looks very calm.

Since the dawning of time, it has been the traditional role of women to attend other women in labor and birth.
Midwives were the doctors, the counselors, the shaman, the healers, the pediatricians, the birth professionals, the mashkiki and the midewikwe. Doulas were the women-helpers; women of age who had been-there-done-that, were old enough to understand the work being done, the servants of the heart and bodyWhat happen now?Woman usually view birth as a painful and dangerous event. Now they expect a medicated birth to provide relief from pain and to ensure their safety and a child. It has become popular for women to plan Cesarean sections to avoid birth. American women are effectively becoming incapable of birth, thanks to our fear of it. I believe that it’s necessary for us to confront our fears by learning different techniques. I have come to understand that birth is a natural and unforgettable part of our lives.