When it comes to pregnancy and birth, I really believe in “going slow”. I’m not talking about having a 4 day birth process (though, yes, that can happen!), and I’m not saying a 3 hour labour disqualifies you. I’m just talking about slowing down and reclaiming the rhythm of pregnancy and birth. I encourage you to take all the time you need to slowly consider the physical, emotional and spiritual process of starting a family...
Read moreOn Children
I first read this poem in the 1970’s, when everyone seemed to be reading passages from The Prophet at weddings. I know I have shared parts of it with my children over the years. It certainly helped Bob and I weather both stormy toddler and teen moments.
Read moreSlow Birth
Welcome to my new website - Slow Birth. It's been a long time coming!
If you're newly pregnant, looking for a doula or simply wondering how you can navigate this new world, please start reading through my blog posts. You can read about me, look in Resources for my Must Read Posts, then delve deeper. If you're a new doula and want to find out more, please read it all! I've been writing my Vancouver Doula blog for many years.
I am currently working with 4 clients per month, so I can provide the most focused care for my clients. Take a look at my Contact page to see my catchment area.
The four births this month have been beautiful and surprising and powerful. You might think that, after attending more than 1200 births over 28 years, I might have seen it all. But I haven't by a long shot! These mothers and babies and families teach me something new every day. From a sweet girl who was born "face first" while sticking out her tongue to all (so rare that most of us have only seen this once before), to a client who "pedalled" her way up and over the mountains of labour. Another new mum thanked me for helping her to see that birth doesn't have to be scary - after she breathed her daughter into her arms while floating in water. And another client whispered, "Do you think anyone will believe me when I tell them how amazing it was?! Don't get me wrong, it was way bigger than I had imagined, but that was great!"
Thanks to Communications Designer Alanna Munro (aka ma belle-fille) for brainstorming new projects and services, and doing all the technical and design work that is beyond me. I'll be rolling out new offerings soon enough. Until then, you'll find lots to read here that you won't find anywhere else!
- Jacquie Munro
Punto Nascita
Each year, we try to head to Europe for a month. Since I am on call 24/7 for the rest of the year, this is our only opportunity to turn off the iPhone and be fully present, and physically and emotionally recharge.
It's a pilgrimage of sorts. We seem to move from one Madonna and Child to another in France, Italy, or Spain. We climb hills to listen to chanting monks in empty chapels, and scramble down terraced vineyards towards sparkling seas.
Read moreWhat have I been doing all this time?
Well, it's been 8 months! I think I must have been rather busy, to have left my blog for this long!
In addition to my doula work, "loving the grandsons" was added to my list of passions. With twins, there's a lot of room for family involvement, so we've all been chipping in daily to help our daughter and son-in-law and their brood. My memory of this past summer is long long walks by the seashore with my husband, carrying the boys in slings, allowing their parents a break at home...to sleep or eat, or just plain enjoy the peace and quiet.
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