Midwifery School Check in

Welcome to my last year of Midwifery school

In the present moment

I am 22 births & 45 units away from completing my midwifery program. For the past 2 months, I have been transitioning from my role as a a junior student to being the primary midwife under supervision (senior student).

What is the role of the primary midwife under supervision? I get to midwife all the client’s in our practice, catch babies, provide prenatal care, well woman (person) gynecological  as well as postpartum care. On top of all of this, I am responsible for all the paperwork that comes with being a midwife, my least favorite part, but it does feel nice to have the responsibility as a hungry and eager student midwife. All under supervision of my preceptors of course.This is my final stretch before preparing to sit for my NARM ( North American Registry of Midwives) exam, which qualifies me for my licensure with the Medical Board of California.

The past two years

I have had the privilege of working with 6 midwives, in 3 unique midwifery practices. I’ve traveled to all directions in LA and surrounding neighborhoods and worked with a broad spectrum of families. All while, simultaneously working as a doula & wellness promotora. I have fallen in and out of love and learned the value of sacred partnerships. My definition of Love has evolved & grown so much.  Healing, healing & more healing! I have been able to heal from generational trauma. Spirit guided me to move into my own sanctuary in the hills of Happy Valley. I let go of the stability that came with working at the nonprofit sector. Learning to have an appreciation for sleep and self care has been invaluable. let’s see what else?

 I have grown closer to creator.This rigorous program has put me on my knees. Surrendering to the unknown has been challenging at times. Letting go of that which I have no control over has been a blessing in disguise. Learning to be vulnerable has not been easy. I have realized how much help I need and how much support I already have. My limiting beliefs have come to surface asking me to heal from them. Midwifery school is expensive & if it wasn't for creator & community support, I don’t know how I would get by.  I’ve never cried so much in life like I have been in the past two years. Crying out of love, fear, injustice and joy. Crying my butt to sleep because sometimes birth ain’t pretty & I've witnessed near death experiences for both mom and baby.I am currently being stretched in multiple directions, the burning sensation feels so good. This sensation is allowing me to feel and to come back to my body.Becoming sensitized, embracing compassion,  dancing with my femininity & masculinity, embodying empathy, opening up my heart and truly loving without any walls are all lessons I am mastering. I am completely naked, raw, I feel exposed & have discovered that underneath all these layers that I have let go off, I shine so bright. My journey to midwifery is a story of resilience, love, humility & deeply rooted ancestral medicine.

I am PREGNANT!

“ I am pregnant” says my client. I’m looking forward to hearing this statement more often.lol! I bet most of you thought I was pregnant. Just to let you know, that’s not happening anytime soon. However,the plan is to complete my midwifery program in 9 moon cycles, that’s 252 days, and 3 seasons. I have been working really hard to complete my academic portion of the program by completing 20 units per quarter. My clinical portion of the program will also be completed at the same time. Stay tuned! There will be plenty of opportunities for you to see me in action as I grow into my role as a licensed midwife.

One of the perks is being able to organize well woman (person) clinic days, where folks can receive gynecological care/education including pelvic & breast exams. After I complete my program, I will go on a hiatus to study for my NARM. Please keep me in your prayers! Midwifery is my way of life now. Everyday I’m being asked to step into my role as a midwife. This also means shedding skin and letting go of my role as a doula. I am asking for your support to help me complete my program.

Support  a women's-led conscious business:

 My doula & wellness practice sustains me in my midwifery program and in life. Unfortunately, there is no financial aid for my midwifery education. I am very grateful for all my clients who seek me out to support their journey; the fair exchange to this is that they help to pay for my tuition & personal expenses. Here are some ways that you can contribute to the development of a community Midwife:

• Promoting my services to all your networks
• Hiring me to support your childbearing & wellness journey
• Some of my services include: birth/postpartum doula, placenta encapsulation, reiki, childbirth education, wellness consults, belly binding, health classes,  traditional postpartum ceremony, doula mentorship, ect.
• Have I already supported you? If you feel motivated to do so please consider writing a review on my website, Facebook, or Yelp. (links below)
• Hugs always help!
• Check in's are always welcomed

Mil Gracias! Tlazokamati! Thank you!

-Maria Teresa

Website:www.womynsmedicine.com

Yelp: Womyns Medicine

FB: www.facebook.com/womynsmedicine

IG: Womyns_Medicine

* Pictures posted with permission 

Flowing With The Winter Blues

Winter is an event that is experienced by all living beings on Earth.  Characterized by drastic changes in nature and the "holidays", it is a time for a change of pace.  However, sometimes a change of pace can throw us a little bit off balance. During the holidays that take place during the winter, we experience changes in  our routines in school and/or work due to the extra days off that most of us are able to enjoy. For some, this time off is very appreciated and it is spent with family and loved ones; while for others this is a time of melancholy and solitude and sometimes may fall into the "Winter Blues".

The Winter Blues can affect many different people, for different reasons. For example,  migrant workers may find themselves feeling lonely and missing their families if they are far from home and are unable to visit. Those who have recently been through break-ups , separations, or death may also have a hard time during the winter and holiday season. 

Whatever the circumstances may be, it's important to acknowledge that it is healthy to take time to reflect and heal if necessary,  but it is also important to know that melancholy can develop into mild depression if a flow of sad emotions is not addressed. 

Here is a brief summary of common causes for depression as listed in "The Melaleuca Wellness Guide" Chapter 12: "Healthy Body" pg. 133

Here are some Simple Tips on how to flow through the Winter Blues:

Water: We all know hydration is essential for our body to function since we are 70% water.  Water also is a great medicine for headaches, fatigue, and many other afflictions.  However we have noticed in the winter we often forget to drink water since it is so cold.  Just a reminder, we may warm up our water and drink it just like that or add some lemon juice or peppermint to it.  We may also drink teas such as Chamomile or  Tulsi, Martha's favorite that can help decrease our stress levels. Finally we may make more nourishing soups or broths that may provide much needed warm hydration for the winter months.

Sunlight: Our body craves the sunlight vitamin.  We are meant to spend more time outdoors enjoying the sun and unfortunately we are often in our home, offices, or cars. Sunshine gives us much needed Vitamin D that is essential for a healthy immune system and one of the best medicines for depression. Wake up earlier when possible and greet the sun as it comes up, take lunch outside or do your best to seek the sun whenever it is out.  Also if you are still lacking sunlight you may supplement with foods such as mushrooms, fish oils, eggs, tofu, or get Vitamin D drops from your local health food store.

Movement: Exercise or movement is a great stress reliever.  When we move, shake, boogie, or just walk it is not only beneficial for our physical self but it also moves  and clears stagnant emotions.  In this technological age we may not have to go outside to workout just put youtube on your gadget and look up tai chi or yoga for beginners or put some music and dance your heart out.  Finally whenever weather permits do go outside for a hike in nature or a brisk walk around your neighborhood.

Touch: In this digital era we hardly ever hear people's voices much less touch them.  Touch is very important for us humans it is scientifically proven to calm stress, decrease disease, and strengthen our immune system. If possible go get a massage if you cannot afford one get a partner and look online on how to give each other a massage or do self massage to hands or feet.  Have a partner, friend, pet, etc. near to cuddle, hug, or carress.

Cacao: This is our ultimate favorite for preventing depression!  Chocolate is a superfood and was an important and sacred drink of our ancestors.  Cacao affects dopamine levels in our brains which promotes relaxation, increases focus and alertness and helps us feel good.  Please do not get the sugary chocolate that will make you feel good one minute and horrible the next, you may get good raw cacao nibs or powder at your local health food store and enjoy such a sweet glorious food by itself or mix with water, vanilla, honey, and cinnamon for a warm winter drink.

Finally, make positive affirmations. Thinking positive thoughts increases self-confidence and can instantly change your mood and perspective. Understand that is normal for ALL beings to go through changes, challenges and even sadness; but it is also normal and a great gift from life to experience laughter, happiness and a sense of achievement and triumph. Believe in your self and always walk towards the light at the end of the tunnel. As long as we are alive, we are able to look for solutions to the issues that burden us. Also remember that you are worthy of joy and love and the key to your happiness and prosperity is your hands!

To close, we would like to share an affirmation with all of you. May it empower us to flow with the changes of life and the Winter Blues:

Thank you for reading. We wish you all a beautiful winter season!