"On January 7, 2009, I am adventuring to Cusco, Peru.  The learnings brought in through my attendance at birth during this time, will be shared here.  I am traveling through the vehicle of The Matrona, in collaboration with twenty other students of birth."  01/03/2009

Gathering together in Peru with 20+ other wise women, committed to the unfoldment of consciousness and family centered birth, allowed me to delve into depths of myself as a mother, woman, and ‘midwife.’  We arrived during the first week of January, completing our stay in mid February.  Medical Astrology, Qigong for the release of DMT, Quantum Midwifery, and Conscious Birth Skills were among some of the teachings that were a part of this experience.  There was also the option of doing rotations in the local hospitals and clinics.  Although, when one looks at this program from afar, it seems intriguing, and also, in some sense, expected and practical in part of midwifery education options.  Many women came with the ideas of furthering their hands-on birth experiences, and for ‘wrapping up’ midwifery education.  These area’s were most definitely addressed, and fully satisfied within the offerings of the six weeks.  However, as time presented itself, it seemed like there was much more being laid out as options for furthering the manifestation of enhancing the ‘midwife’.  To be part of a Matrona program, is like taking a leap into the realms of the unknown universe that we knew all along.  A paradox within the shifting practice of discovering.  Birth in this context becomes an expression of the universe, of the divine, and the idea of discussing 'how to be a midwife' is flown out beyond anything that has previously existed, while also being completely rooted in the ancient wisdom.  Personally, my transformations focused in the areas of coming into the expression of self that is midwife, and wise woman beyond anything else.  It was one of the most powerful times for change that I have ever sat in, and the ripples that were started within this period will emanate on to affect everything forever.  My adventures in South America will continue, and my ability to teach within this context seems to be my next steps.  The intentions that I hold as future experiences, will exist as increasing awareness around family centered birth, home birth, and enhancing natural/energetic ways of healing--while honoring and being humble to the traditions of the culture.

*The Matrona will be offering more experiences in Peru, see www.thematrona.com, for updates and details.*
-{from left to right, top to bottom}-Myself, Scout and Ukiah in the central Plaza of Cusco; A portrait from Hospital Regional; A gifted placenta; Adrienne in Hospital Loraina; Abel and the didj; Isabel and Britanny in Isabel's clinic; Sunday (homebirth midwife currently living in Cusco) and her daughter Mirabi; Delivery room in Hospital Loraina; Whapio-