0
Skip to Content
Mother Becoming
Birth Service Menu
Motherarchy Mentorship
Connect with me
Mother Becoming
Birth Service Menu
Motherarchy Mentorship
Connect with me
Birth Service Menu
Motherarchy Mentorship
Connect with me

Sacred Witness Vs Saviorism

We have woven this concept through out entire time together and the book that we are following in this quarter, Swimming With The Sacred, dives deeply into what it is to be an embodied, grounded space holder for psychedelic peak experience. She notes that mastery in guiding psychedelic experiences demands years of healing work, allowing the space holders to develop a deep, somatic-based intuition whereby this allows them the clarity to be fully present and de-centered- instead, attuned to the needs of the person they are guiding.

Saviorism can actually feel good for all involved. It is not inherently insidious and may be well intended, which is what i have witnessed most when it comes to saviorism in the birth community. However, it fosters co-dependence rather than inter-dependence and it can result in a disempowered birth and particularly postpartum journey,

In this Hive of Motherarchs may it be a running endeavour that we reflect constantly upon whether we are choosing to be pleasing, nurturing and in order to control the environment and the experience of a birthing person (saviorism) or if we are comtinuously responding to requests for loving support by listening first, attuning to the true needs next and providing care lastly in a way that upholds the centering of the birthing person and their own power.

Prenatal Structuring.

Labs and Tests in Pregnancy

When you support a birthing person and their family through their journey it’s wise to consistently remind yourself that even in thr role of Sacred Witness, yiou are rooted in the ethos’ of Community Care, Collaborative Care, Sovereignty and Consent. Often, these people that you are working with may not have a clear view into what they are actually agreeing/consenting too. Frequently, this inabilty to provide full informed consent is in the realm of common prenatal tests and labs.

If they are to know their options, then you must be aware of their options. Some of the labs and testing offered are:

Initial Prenatal Panel:
 Caregivers usually prefer to establish baseline health so tjhat they can assess and identify potential risks as the pregnancy commences.

Tests Include Complete Blood Count (CBC), blood type and Rh factor, rubella immunity, hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis, urinalysis, and urine culture.

Genetic Screening:
Assesses risk for chromosomal abnormalities and inherited conditions.

Tests Include Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), carrier screening, first-trimester combined screening.

Ultrasound Examinations:
Used to monitor fetal development and detect anomalies. Can be offered early (7 weeks to detect a heartbeat , 12 weeks for dating, 20 weeks for comprehensive screening, late ultrasounds for pregnancies that seem to be higher risk such as a baby that is measuring small or large for dates, a post-dates baby, for decreased fetal movement etc)

Use of ultrasound is balanced with the principle of minimal intervention, reserving scans for when they provide clear benefits. 

Glucose Screening

Tests Included: Glucose Challenge Test (GCT), Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT).
Purpose: Screen for gestational diabetes.
.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Testing

Timing: Typically between 35–37 weeks gestation.

  • Purpose: Identify GBS colonization to manage delivery protocols.

  • Holistic Viewpoint: Discussion of risks and benefits of antibiotic use during labor, considering alternatives when appropriat

Specialty Labs

  • Examples:

    • GI-MAP + Zonulin: Assesses gut health and permeability.

    • Micronutrient Testing: Identifies nutritional deficiencies.

    • Hormone Panels: Evaluates levels of key reproductive hormones.

    • Genetic Panels: Provides insights into genetic predispositions.

  • Holistic Viewpoint: These tests support a personalized approach to prenatal care, addressing individual health needs beyond standard screenings. 

Holistic and Midwifery Perspectives

  • Integrative Prenatal Care: Combines conventional medical practices with complementary therapies, focusing on the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the mother. 

  • Holistic Antenatal Care: Emphasizes the importance of socioeconomic factors, staff attitudes, and personalized care in improving pregnancy outcomes. 

  • Midwifery-Led Care: Associated with positive maternal and neonatal outcomes, highlighting the value of continuity of care and personalized support. 

Books:

  • Understanding Diagnostic Tests in the Childbearing Year by Anne Frye: A comprehensive guide to prenatal testing from a midwifery perspective.

reaching out to local midwifery practices or integrative health centers that align with these philosophies. Always consult with healthcare providers to determine the best care plan for your individual needs.