Spiritual Birth

Fathers at Birth

Marianne Littlejohn — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:11:23 +0000

Fathers at birth are a regular occurrence in our western world and their presence is encouraged. But preparation is needed for them to gain the full benefit of the unfolding process of changing from a couple to becoming a family. Being with their partners at birth is a profoundly moving event for fathers.

The Travelling Midwife: Tale of Two Cities

Marianne Littlejohn — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:50:05 +0000

I imagined how through the centuries, African people had been giving birth in their thatch roofed dwellings, now replaced by glistening tin roofs that do not insulate the home from the heat of the strong African sun. Almost akin to the hospitals and clinics where African women now give birth and that do not insulate them from the emotional and physical trauma of medicalized childbirth.

The Privilege of Midwifery

Marianne Littlejohn — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:56:25 +0000

The obstetricians at Vincent Pallotti hospital have decided to no longer provide a back-up service for my practice. Apart from the loss of the medical back-up as a professional midwife, the greater loss is to mothers and women who are not able to choose this private hospital for medical back-up when they have chosen me as a professional midwife.

Natural Birth Workshop in Kwazulunatal, January 2012

Marianne Littlejohn — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:32:30 +0000

The Natural Birth Workshop in Kwazulunatal presented the anatomy and physiology of Birth, addressed the effects of the emotional luggage we carry on our bodies and birth process and guided participants in techniques to manage the strong sensations of birth.

Natural Birth Workshop January 2012 in Kwazulunatal, South Africa

Marianne Littlejohn — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:32:02 +0000

The Natural Birth Workshop in Kwazulunatal was a balmy day of discovery and sharing about ourselves, birth anatomy and physiology, and each other.

The Travelling Midwife: A Homebirth in Clarens

Marianne Littlejohn — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:16:17 +0000

Ane' wanted to be allowed to walk around, and to eat and drink during labour, She did not want her baby to be separated from her after birth and wanted to experience the the labour and the birth without pain relief.

Foetus Ejection Reflex and Fathers

Marianne Littlejohn — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:21:45 +0000

The foetus ejection reflex is a term rescued from obscurity in the work of biologist Niles Newton by Dr Michel Odent. It refers to the reflex that mice and all animals have when they give birth to their offspring in a secluded environment. Mammals need to release a flow of hormones, particularly oxytocin, to initiate [...]

Natural Birth Workshop January 2012, KZN

Marianne Littlejohn — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:10:23 +0000

Marianne of Spiritual Birth will be hosting a Natural Birth Workshop on Saturday the 14th of January in Mooi River, KwaZulu Natal. Find out more information and register to attend...

Natural ‘Undisturbed’ Birth: The Travelling Midwife

Marianne Littlejohn — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 02:19:08 +0000

Natural Birth is an involuntary physiological process that occurs when labour commences, progresses and culminates in the expulsion of a baby from a mother's womb.

Champion of Mothers

Marianne Littlejohn — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:15:01 +0000

Mieke lost her confidence in her ability to give birth after a caesarian section with her first baby. She attempted and succedded to have a natural birth second time around and became champion of mothers!