Storytelling has always been an integral part of our human experience. Sharing our knowledge from generation to generation since the beginning of time. Stories have been used to depart moral values, spread caution, share knowledge and more. Within the birth world, stories have been a method for birthing parents to connect and share. The sharing of birth stories is an exciting and common practice among people who have given birth, and especially with those who are pregnant and expecting to experience childbirth.
Each story is sacred and the birthing moment is raw, emotionally charged, and totally unique. Sharing our thoughts and feelings that surround this moment is a cathartic experience that many birthing people find empowering. However, it isn’t always easy to share a birth story in a safe place. So how do we find a way to share that won’t result in unsolicited advice, judgement, criticism, shame, comparisons, or any other negative response?
The answer may be a new concept to some, or similar to an event you’ve attended in the past: Birth Sharing Circles. Doula Support Foundation hosts a virtual Birth Sharing Circle every other month and you will find all of the information here. But what makes this a safe space to share your story? It’s all about the community!
Our Birth Sharing Circle is made for all birthing people to register and choose whether to share or simply be an active listener. We open with an introduction and grounding ceremony and then give each of the storytellers time to Share. This is not a space to ask questions or comment on the stories, listeners are asked to simply hold space and sit in community. This event is truly beautiful to be a part of.
Emilie Poulin attended the last DSF Birth Sharing Circle and this is how she felt about the event.
“The Birth Sharing Circle was one of the most valuable activities I participated in as a new mother. Amanda and Mitzi curated an incredibly meaningful gathering, offering us a safe container to receive all the joys and struggles of birthing. I was deeply moved by how connected I felt to the group after such a short time, especially given the online platform. The journey of healing from a traumatic birthing experience can feel incredibly isolating, and this is exactly the kind of ritual that our society lacks, and that I believe new mothers so desperately need. To simply have my story witnessed by the quiet encouragement of the Circle gifted me a sense of lightness and solidarity I will forever be grateful for.”
Every birth is different and each one holds a transformative power. When shared this energy connects the individuals participating in a Birth Sharing Circle together in a way that is empowering and moving. If you haven’t given this event a try, I encourage you to consider the next circle.
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