Who do We trust?

The foundation of the world begins in the womb.
It begins with us.

By Kristen Nagle | Former NICU Nurse · Founder, Reclaiming Birth Gathering

Why are we really here?

I asked a friend a question about her birth.

What did she need? What was missing?

I looked at my own experiences from indoctrinated NICU Nurse, to being terminated for asking questions and speaking out when I recognized harm.

The common thread when I reach out.

Trust.

Who do we trust?

Trust has been broken within the medicalized institution. We’ve seen the harms, felt the harms and are choosing something different.

The problem is - what is there to choose?

Midwives have always been the alternative - but are they now?

We continue to hear stories after stories where they are an extension of the government and obstetrical system.

Now just like in all areas of life there are exceptional Dr’s, nurses, midwives and humans out there.

We just don’t always know if they are the ones we are going to receive care from?

Do we roll the dice? Hope for the best? Learn to advocate fiercely?
Cross all our T’s and dot all our I’s and hope for the best - that we did enough of the work?

Women are turning to other services, it’s why there was an explosion in free birth - in all of its controversial and polarizing ways…

The attack shouldn’t be on free birth - but why are women choosing that?
What’s missing?

This is the work of Traditional Birth Companions. This is why Reclaiming Birth Exists.

We are working on closing the gaps.

It doesn’t promise that your home birth will go as planned that it will be perfect without intervention. It’s that you will be heard, seen, educated and informed along the way. That you will feel supported and cared for. Respected.

This movement is new.
All the “witches” were burned at the stake 400 years ago. Women throughout the ages have been attacked and vilified for doing this sacred work.

We’re still at the beginning - it took three generations to move 90% of the population into the hospitals. Most women no longer have birth experience or role models.

I sure didn’t - even my grandmothers were born in hospital. We no only lack experience, but support, stories - witness.

We haven’t been able to witness.

For most of us we are doing this for the first time with no lived examples around us.

There’s a lot of work in that. Trust and surrender that needs to happen. Fear that needs to be faced. We’re not always ready.

The support we need isn’t always enough - we are still catching up the incredibly large gap.

But we are doing it.

It’s going to take time. But if they can take birth, and pathologize it and turn it into a medical event in three generations. Well we can turn it around as well.

This is why this work matters.

It’s not just about us.

It’s about the next generations that are looking at is to create the change.
Future babies are waiting for us to go first.
Waiting for us to show the way.

Our daughters, sons and theirs….

This isn’t just an event…. This is a movement.

It’s truly a declaration that we realize something has to change.
We cannot wait on the system to change - we have to create it.
We have to go first.

The more that we link arms, gather in the room, share and learn from one another.

The faster we can close the gap.

This work matters.
You matter.
Your presence, your effort, the change you are creating - it all matters.

The Foundation of the World begins in the womb - and it truly does begin with us.

This room isn’t for everyone.

But maybe it’s for you.

There are 4 days left to claim your seat and be Recognized as a Beacon.
The light house.
The change maker.
You’ll be recognized for your work with a special private gathering with the speakers, VIP seating and more throughout the weekend.

www.reclaimingbirthgathering.com/tickets

I hope you know how important you are - and the ripple effect we are doing beyond this room is immeasurable.

With love and hope
Kristen

This work matters[Get your tickets → reclaimingbirthgathering.com]

If this resonated, share it with a woman who is pregnant, planning, or still carrying a birth that didn't feel like it was fully hers. She needs to know what's possible.

About Kristen Nagle

Kristen is a former NICU nurse, mother, speaker, and founder of Reclaiming Birth Gathering — an annual family gathering in Ontario dedicated to restoring trust in physiological birth and the families it transforms. She writes and lives at kristennagle.ca.

Follow: @kristen_nagle · @reclaimingbirthgathering