In all cultures, the midwife's place is on the threshold of life, where intense human emotions, fear, hope, longing, triumph, and incredible physical power-enable a new human being to emerge. Her vocation is unique.
Interpretation
The midwife plays a crucial role at the critical moment of birth, embodying the emotional and physical challenges of this transformative experience.
This quote by Sheila Kitzinger highlights the significant position of midwives in the birthing process, emphasizing their presence at a pivotal moment of life. It reflects the deep emotional and physical dynamics involved in childbirth, portraying midwives as essential guides who facilitate the powerful transition of bringing new life into the world. Their vocation encompasses not just technical skill but also an understanding of the profound feelings experienced by both the birthing individual and the new life emerging.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a childbirth education class to highlight the importance of midwifery.
Fathers' sharing in the birth experience can be a stimulus for men's freedom to nurture, and a sign of changing relationships between men and women. In the same way, women's freedom to give birth at home is a political decision, an assertion of determination to reclaim the experience of birth. Birth at home is about changing society.
In achieving the depersonalization of childbirth and at the same time solving the problem of pain, our society may have lost more than it has gained. We are left with the physical husk; the transcending significance has been drained away.
Yes, I am sad, sad as a circus-lioness, sad as an eagle without wings, sad as a violin with only one string and that one broken, sad as a woman who is growing old. Sad, sad, sad.
Buy the ticket, take the ride.
Sometimes the lights all shining on me, other times I can barely see. Lately it occurs to me what a long strange trip it's been.
Live for yourself and you will live in vain; Live for others, and you will live again.
I want to be like one of those little fainting goats that get scared and then just fall over. I want to go and go and then drop dead in the middle of something I'm loving to do. And if that doesn't happen, if I wind up sitting in a wheelchair, at least I'll have my high heels on.
There are people looking for exactly what you have to offer, and you are being brought together on the checkerboard of life.
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