Many of our problems in US maternity care stem from the fact that we leave no room for recognizing when nature is smarter than we are.
Ina May GaskinRead
A society that places a low value on its mothers and the process of birth will suffer an array of negative repercussions for doing so. Good beginnings make a positive difference in the world, so it is worth our while to provide the best possible care for mothers and babies throughout this extraordinarily influential part of life.
Interpretation
Valuing mothers and childbirth is essential for a healthy society.
Ina May Gaskin emphasizes the importance of recognizing the significance of mothers and the birthing process in shaping a healthy and thriving society. When society undervalues these crucial aspects, it leads to various negative outcomes, highlighting the need for comprehensive support for mothers and newborns to ensure a positive impact on the future.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech advocating for maternal health policies.
Many of our problems in US maternity care stem from the fact that we leave no room for recognizing when nature is smarter than we are.
The way a culture treats women in birth is a good indicator of how well women and their contributions to society are valued and honored.
When we as a society begin to value mothers as the givers and supporters of life, then we will see social change in ways that matter.
Why do we, then, continue to treat women as if their emotions and comfort, and the postures they might want to assume while in labor, are against the rules?
Pregnant _x000D_ and birthing mothers are elemental forces, in the same sense that _x000D_ gravity, thunderstorms, earthquakes, and hurricanes are elemental _x000D_ forces. In order to understand the laws of their energy flow, you have _x000D_ to love and respect them for their magnificence at the same time that _x000D_ you study them with the accuracy of a true scientist.
Simply put, when there is no home birth in a society, or when home birth is driven completely underground, essential knowledge of women’s capacities in birth is lost to the people of that society—to professional caregivers, as well as to the women of childbearing age themselves.
I want to give my kids the world, but I also want them to appreciate everything, to succeed, to be good people, to enjoy life. This is my most important role. If I fail at this, I fail at everything.
True parents do not see to it that their children grow in a particular way, according to a preferred pattern or scripted stages, but they see to it that they grow with their children.
…for no matter how lost and soiled and worn-out wandering sons may be, mothers can forgive and forget every thing as they fold them into their fostering arms. Happy the son whose faith in his mother remains unchanged, and who, through all his wanderings, has kept some filial token to repay her brave and tender love.
Good parents give their children Roots and Wings. Roots to know where home is, wings to fly away and exercise what's been taught them.
Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.
If a child is given love, he becomes loving ... If he's helped when he needs help, he becomes helpful. And if he has been truly valued at home ... he grows up secure enough to look beyond himself to the welfare of others.
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