“In the tradition of the wise-woman

Long before there were regulated midwives, throughout the world, a local woman was called to be with a woman in birth. She was recognized for her personal study of plants, seasons, women’s physiology, the process of birth, newborn care, and new mother care. She may have learned at the feet of her predecessor, another wise woman. In time, these women who were also healers due to their knowledge of food, herbs, ritual, and prayer were eliminated at the hands of ‘learned and religious’ men through the witch burnings and then through licensing and elimination. Much of their knowledge is lost to us forever.

Eventually, women were allowed back into the birth room by submitting to training in the obstetrical model and participating under the supervision of male physicians. There is some midwifery autonomy in some parts of the world, but it’s still the obstetrical model based on an ancient and wholly inaccurate understanding of the female experience. This is not midwifery as it exists today. It does not follow the obstetrical model or its ancient and inaccurate assumptions about our bodies and our experiences. It does not assume philosophical superiority or exert agency over our femininity. It does not demand compliance or threaten us.

Traditional Birth Companionship is not midwifery, Instead, it is a sacred path of companionship from preconception to parenting that adheres to Natural Law where one is sovereign over their own bodies and their actions are for the benefit of humankind and not to harm another. This holistic woman-to-woman care includes familiarity with accurate scientific knowledge, a deep understanding of the female experience, and years of experience and hard-won wisdom.

Technocracy, that is, the government or rule of people through the application, interpretation, and expertise of technology, has changed the childbirth experience from one of ‘labour’ and joyful anticipation to one of great fear, submission, coercion, and trauma - with no better outcomes in the last several decades. It is not benevolent.

The traditional birth companion doesn’t eschew technology, it just doesn’t replace a woman’s innate knowledge, her culture, her wishes, and her choices. It is the woman herself who chooses how she interacts with technology, if at all, and how she uses its information. The companion is there to offer additional information, encouragement, holistic approaches to wellness, and to support her increasing wisdom as she regains her sovereignty over her body, her female experience, and her family.”

— Billie Harrigan