Mama Goddess Resources
Posted by Goddess Leonie on September 3rd, 2009. Filed under: Mama Goddess.
Hola sweet beans,
I’m on da hunt. For resources for pregnacious goddesses. I’ve found some I love, and some I’m still haunting the shelves of bookstores for. Here’s my sweet list so far, and my sweet wish-list of what I’m looking for.
Books
A couple of years ago, I went through a stage of reading pregnancy and birthing books. I counted it as being “forward reading” because I figured once I really was pregnant, I’d only have nine months to get all my reading in. I’m SO GLAD twenty-four year old Leonie was that smart. I say HIGH FIVE YOU, 24yo Leonie. YOU ROCK.
“Spiritual Midwifery” by Ina May Gaskin was one of those books I read a couple of years ago. Hands down, this is one of the most beautiful, profound, powerful books I have ever read. It’s the birth stories of women from a 1970s commune in the US who reclaimed home birthing. Their stories are tender, joyful and enlightening - and they totally changed my perception of birth. So this book is totally up there in my Important Books, especially for birthing.
“Up the Duff” by Kaz Cooke
I didn’t think I’d enjoy this one. It seemed a bit too ordinary for me and a bit too cynical - not exactly enchanting pregnancy stuff. Of course, I went off the title and the cartoon character - helloooo judging a book by it’s cover. To be honest, I only bought this book because I found it really cheap in the second hand bookstore on the day I found out I was pregnant. I was kind of panicked about not knowing EVERYTHING about this whole new life situation I was in, so I was grabbing anything that looked vaguely helpful. That, and the sweet ginger bookstore man said his wife and him just gave birth to their first baby, and “Up the Duff” was one of their favourites.
So I took it. And so far, it’s the only one I’m reading. It’s not as annoying as “What to expect when you’re expecting” (though that’s one of those encyclopedic useful-resources anyway). It’s funny, and it’s tender, and it’s honest. Which I’m utterly appreciating right now. So YAY! for Up the Duff. Maybe they can bring out “Up The Sacred Duff” next time. 
“Awaken your birth power” by Danette Watson
This is a lovely, inspiring little illustrated book plus meditation CD created here in Australia. I’m a-thinking of going on one of her retreats because it’s not too far from here. I bought a copy for my sweet sis-in-law when she was preggy, and she’s passing it back to me now she has her beautiful lil daughter in her arms. So looking forward to reading it again!
Websites, Blogs & Forums
At the moment, I’m signed up for weekly updates at Babycenter.com.au which have been helpful and lovely.
I’ve also been:
- watching Momversations
- re-reading the pregnancy stories of my two favourite P-goddesses - Penelope (her pregnancy artwork is deeply ancestral & precious & profound) & Pixie (I adore her woman-wisdom)
- am so stinking excited that Offbeat Mama is going to be launched soon (an offspring *ho ho* from Offbeat Bride)
- reading birthing stories through Homebirth NZ (the lovely Goddess Jane recommended it to me)
- loving Birth into Being website (check out the video on there… like woah-amazing)
- and Orgasmic Birthing.
There was also this totally other wild and wonderful video of a woman birthing in the sea I found… where for art you now, delicious video?
I’m still a-hunting around for more blogs and forums that resonate. I I’d love to know some good websites, blogs and forums on pregnacious-ness and mama-hood, especially ones with more of a “natural parenting” focus.
Know any? Would so love to hear them!
Meditations/Music
The Awaken your Birth Power book has some meditations on there. Other than that, I’ve been using my own meditations (hee hee!) or Chris has been finding me Youtube meditations that put me into a three-hour nap. (I’d link to it, but he’s the hottie who found it - I heart him).
Know any good meditations or music for gestating goddesses?
Pregnancy & mumma exercise DVDs
I’m still on the hunt for some good pregnancy and mum-with-bub exercise DVDs. Will let you all know when I find some!
In the meantime, God Chris has been doing that holy-adorable thing of his of finding stuff on Youtube for me, and doing yoga with me. Holy dinger, that man is a GOD.
Hokay.
That’s almost time for a nap now. All that thinking about books has totally taken it out of me!
Comments Zen
Because I really need to ask for what I want and need right now:
If you know of any resources to add to my lil pregnacious-goddess library, please please please with love and sugarplum fairies, let me know. I’d so love to know what helps and inspires you.
I really don’t want to hear anything that’s not constructive, especially about the above resources. If you think things like orgasmic birth is not a legitimate or interesting possibility, that’s totally groovy, but I’m not really interested in hearing about it. I’m really just into creating a safe, happy, positive, supportive environment right now.
Thank you for being here, sweetpea.
Big love,
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:23 am
lovely you.
By far my favourite book about pregnancy is called “Birthing from Within” by Pam England. I think this book with sooo resonate with you as its about processing emotions around birth through art. You can also check out the website http://www.birthingfromwithin.com
love
v
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:05 am
What a WONDERFUL site you have here goddess! I have been following your blog for about a month, found you through Pixie after taking the In The Fishbowl e-course with her. I have been so touched by your honesty, and insights, especially as you share your vulnerability in your early weeks of your pregnancy! And congratulations to you my dear, the pregnant journey is quite an amazing one, I think that many women will benefit from the sharing of your experience. I am a labor support doula, and have had 2 of my own little ones, so I feel such joy when I find other women who are educating themselves about their BEST pregnancy and birth choices. I absolutely love Spiritual Midwifery, and another great book that I always recommend is Birthing From Within by Pam England. That one has lots of birth art and tools for self exploration in preparation for labor. I’m looking forward to hearing more about your journey! xo
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:19 am
Best resource I know for a spiritual pregnancy is Sheila Kitzinger’s Rediscovering Birth. I lend my copy out to any pregnant goddess that I know, and every one of them has responded that it was just what they needed. Fascinating, intelligent, generous, and warm. Also, it gives an insight into birth in other countries which I found utterly amazing. A beautiful read
Enjoy
Amy
xx
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:05 am
Hi beautiful Leonie,
When I was pregnant with my little ones - I visited http://www.mothering.com daily. It’s the website of Mothering magazine - which focuses on natural parenting and family living. They have loads of information there and a giant forum. There’s an area specifically for pregnancy and birth - you can even join in on a due date club, to connect with other mamas due in the same month as you. It’s really a wonderful resource - I hope you enjoy it!
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:30 am
One thing that I *tried* to do with the birth of my GirlChild (my second) was to have a BlessingWay… sorta a birthy-family-friendy-supportive circle type thing.
Its like a Pagan babyshower… but instead of gifts the friends and family each bless a bead (of natural materials) and infuse this with their loving, supportive thoughts and strength for the growing baby and the upcoming birthing experience for the MamaGoddess… they make this into a necklace for the MamaGoddess to carry with her through the journey and birth…
It was the most magical gift I recieved, a string of beads all infused with the best wishes and intentions for a healthy baby and a blessed birthing experience (even though I had c-sections), and you have a spiritual “hug” while you go through labour of all the good vibrations connecting you to all the love and strength you need to make it through transitition… not to mention the first few weeks!
I haven’t found any WRITTEN information about this ritual anywhere, it was just something that quite a few of the women I knew in the local Goddess Circles went through. I can tell you that it was a lovely thing to do and have done for you… and I thought if anyone might be interested in this kind of sacred mama thing it would be the great mama goddess Leonie…
Brightest blessings
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:07 am
oh crikey right up my alley (so to speak my alley for childbirth has seen all the traffic it is likely to see)
i will check out the homebirth group library for some more tasty morsels but … http://www.womenofspirit.asn.au/PractitionersRachana.htm
please visit the amazing Shivam Rachana (she lives in Melbourne-ish - her center was destroyed by the fires and she is rising phoenix like) here is a link to her website…
she is a goddess and a spirit healer….you will connect big time Leonie!!
also check out Mamatoto - about birth practises internationally
waterbirth by janet balaskas, anything by Michel Odent (birth reborn is a goodie)
and of course the whangarei homebirth support group birth story book
which i shall get off my lax behind and post any day now!!!
i will return to this o lusicous one - give that puku a rub from me (puku =tummy)
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:54 am
‘Up the duff’ is the only normal pregnancy book I can bring myself to read. All the others make me feel worried or guilty (finding out I shouldn’t be gardening without gloves, the week I potted up my strawberries).
Thanks for sharing all the others!
My favourite baby reading at the moment is ‘You are your child’s first teacher’ - I can’t remember the author, but it’s lovely. It’s based on the philosophy of Steiner schools and is very spiritual. It has a lot about the baby’s first weeks.
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:57 am
A while back, the SoulaMama blog posted about a water-birthing video…let me look it up!
Ok, it’s here: http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2008/10/ten-things.html
Oh, look at that, you already mentioned Birth into Being! Well then, I think you might like the SouleMama blog anyhow!
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:55 pm
I loved Up the Duff - in the UK it is called “the Rough Guide to Pregnancy” instead, although I don’t know why as we say “up the duff” too. Anyway, it is much less panic-inducing than other books (eg WtEWYE).
The book that had the most profound affect on me in my pregnancy and general child-rearing philosophy (ie, total hippie, attachment parenting loveliness) was “Baby Wisdom” by Deborah Jackson. Actually anything by DJ is fabulous. Highly recommended
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:56 pm
PS You are making me soooooooooo broody for another one - stop it!
September 4th, 2009 at 4:42 am
Try the “Birth into Being” video, it’s awesome!
September 4th, 2009 at 4:43 am
Haha, sorry, I just noticed you’re already looking at it — oops!
September 4th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Hello, sweet Goddess Leonie!
So many good resources here already! I heartily second the recommendation of Mothering magazine’s website and forums…so much information and links to other resources.
Exercise DVD: I LOVED Shiva Rea’s prenatal yoga video. It was great, it helped me get in touch with “BabyG,” and it had variations of each exercise depending on your trimester (very handy later on when you’ve got an extra ten pounds of belly and you’re not supposed to lie on your back etc).
xox
September 4th, 2009 at 11:08 am
I loved ‘Birthing from Within’ by Pam England. I see it’s already been suggested, but it’s a good one. It gave me confidence in myself and, even more importantly, those around me. I highly recommend it.
September 4th, 2009 at 11:30 am
This is so great!! I’m thinking that perhaps you’ll write Up the Sacred Duff one day.
September 4th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
I remember finding “The Girlfriend’s Guide to Pregnancy” reassuring and it inspired rolling-on-the-ground-laughing (because it was so TRUE!). Although how much of that was due to the book and how much was due to my pregnant brain is hard to separate. Although paging through the book on Amazon, it still made me laugh.
September 4th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Hi leonie, have you seen the DVD on birthintobeing.com - that features 11 births (one of them is in the ocean) its 72 minutes long.
secondly i would recommend you look at the books “The drinks are on me” by Veronika Sophia Robinson. (Its the ancient art of breastfeeding and the importance of breastfeeding for as long as possible - she was breastfeeding her daughter till she was 8. The youtube clip is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxv6R9fUO74&feature=PlayList&p=87C5A161041B3041&index=0&playnext=1
Take a look a the “Continuum concept”
http://www.continuum-concept.org/
And also i would like to tell you about ” Raising an Ecstatic Child” by shazzie - raw food expert from the UK about how to raise a raw child and unvacinnated…..
Good luck there are wonderful resources out there!! xxx
September 5th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
I second Vivienne’s comment - birthing from within was lovely, and right up your alley with the emphasis on using art to work through feelings. It was fantastic. Also, depending on what sort of birth you might want, you might want to investigate the hypnobirthing and hypnobabies systems. They’re about birthing using hypnosis and relaxation techniques, without pain medication. I used hypnobabies and did great, next time I’m going to use hypnobabies because I think they have a lot more material - more relaxation scripts etc.
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:38 pm
First of all - thank you Leonie, for being a constant source of inspiration!!!
By far my favorite exercise video/spiritual guidance has been Gurmukh’s Prenatal Kundalini Meditation & Yoga for Mothers to Be… it is gentle, spiritual, and a wonderful blend of energizing yoga and centering meditation and chants…
At 20 weeks pregnant, I know I’m drowning in hormones, but I can never get all the way through the video without some beautiful tears of joy!
http://store.goldenbridgeyoga.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_6&products_id=2539