Storytelling is right up there with love and support as far as seeming trivial but actually being hugely important. We are the torchbearers of truth, the weavers of courageous empowering visions to set before the women and families we serve. Our stories must be told often, until they become more compelling and convincing than the horrible "you are weak and defective, prone to failure, need our technology, and might as well give up and give in now" myths people hear all around them. Right now I am seeing eight gorgeous women nearing term, due within a few weeks of each other. All are carrying single, normal sized babies and are healthy and active. Every single one has been told repeatedly by all kinds of people that she looks abnormally huge, must be carrying twins, will probably have a tough time, will beg for drugs, may need a cesarean and so on. What poisonous propaganda! Speak out! Our stories must be heard. Again, this takes time, effort and creativity. Share something marvelous at each visit. Encourage, defuse fears, paint a portrait of success. Invite your ladies' relatives and friends to preparatory meetings. Facilitate support groups of women who choose to believe in their power. Inspire and incite!
-Judy Edmunds, excerpted from "My Top 10 Favorite Complementary Modalities," Midwifery Today Issue 52
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 1 Issue 53, Dec 31, 1999)
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