January 10th, 2009

Welcome to our very first blog entries!
I really must thank all of you that came out to view the film Orgasmic Birth on Friday, January 9th, 2009. It was just awesome to see so many  familiar faces that I have not seen in awhile and to meet new women interested in natural birthing. It was a wonderful turnout of about 40 people or so in a lovely second floor loft space at the Studio for the Healing Arts in the Ghent district of Norfolk. I was delighted as it was only blocks from my house and I walked to the event with the full moon lighting my way. It reminded me of the many times I have driven to a birth on a full moon night!!!

I was very privileged to be one of five on the panel facilitating discussion after the film. I was in my glory, as I love talking about my passion… birth… and most specifically homebirth. If you have not seen this film, I highly recommend it.  I must admit that it has a “catchy” title, however, one woman truly is very orgasmic in her labor. That part never fails to make me smile…. as she is just so sensual and ecstatic! I also… because I am a midwife… I suppose… absolutely LOVE the part of the midwife rolling her birth bag and dragging it up the steps and into the door to the homebirth. Yep…that is what I do! That scene was well portrayed! What I really truly enjoy about the movie is that it portrays women experiencing birth in different scenarios and in the home setting very realistically just as I have witnessed in my home birth practice over the past 28 years. These women are embracing their labor and birth, releasing their fears and facing the challenge that bringing forth life entails. These women are thus rewarded with such empowerment with their birth, and for many they are truly transformed in so many unexpected ways through their birthing process. Birth is truly a “rite of passage” and this film depicts it very well. I am continually awed by the power of women, emotionally, spiritually and physically.

After the film, we had a fabulous discussion about how the film impacted so many that had just viewed it.  Comments and affirmations were made by women and men alike. I really enjoyed the unity that was present in the room as everyone shared what they embraced most. It was a lovely evening and I am so very grateful to Birth Matters Tidewater for continually showing this film to the community. As each person sees this movie and takes a small gem of information and transformation of thought  with them and then spreads this enthusiasm to others… change begins to happen in the birthing community as we reach more and more families helping them become aware that birth can truly be a pleasurable experience. On that note… one last comment…a woman in the audience said that her small child asked her “What is Orgasmic Birth?”… and to this she paused… and then replied… an Orgasmic Birth is a Pleasurable Birth!  Here’s wishing you all pleasurable birthing.

~Jenny

Having seen the film Orgasmic Birth a couple of times, I wasn’t sure if I needed to see it yet again, but it was appealing to get out and be with some fellow birth workers on a cold winter’s night- near full moon too! As I walked from my car to the Studio for the Healing Arts, the air was invigorating and the long set of stairs up to the studio was just what I needed to get my heart going and my head clear.

I was surprised to see quite a few folks had already arrived. Among them were several pregnant couples, some nursing instructors, and even a few unaccompanied middle aged males- hmmm… well they probably received an invite from the Studio’s email list and they looked nice enough. Also, among the attendees were several past homebirth clients- two had babes in their arms and another showed off her growing belly- a girl inside. They had all come independently- some from the Peninsula, as far as Williamsburg and another client had traveled from Suffolk. How fortunate and honored I feel to have been part of these mothers care.

The candles were lit and the ambiance was perfect for a birth film! I was struck how the audience was mesmerized by the film. Occasionally, one of the babies could be heard cooing or commenting during the film. No crying though, great advertisement for homebirth babies, I must say!

The “after discussion” was wonderful. Positive birth stories were shared and they were encouraging to those expectant couples looking for a better way to birth. It was very clear that women need to tell their stories, the good, the challenging, and the triumphant. Only through this can we reduce fear. Women are strong!

On a side note: When emails were going back and forth to the organizers of the event, the abbreviation OB (for Orgasmic Birth) started being used. At first I was confused thinking what are we doing for OB’s (obstetricians)? Well, I finally got my mind used to the new abbreviation so when I hear/see “OB” I think of Orgasmic Birth. There are a couple of great obstetricians in our area but I wouldn’t associate them with orgasmic birth. The Midwives Model of Care is what supports an orgasmic birth!

Yes, I needed to see the film again- it’s something we should all see regularly to be reminded of the remarkable power of women. As I think back on those solo male guests- I applaud their attendance. What a gift they will be able to give their daughters, nieces, friends and even strangers. They have seen a glimpse of the beauty birth can be for women, their babies and their families. What a gift all of the attendees received! Thank you Birth Matters Tidewater!

~Terri