Throughout much of human history, childbirth was a predominantly female-centred event. It often took place within the home, attended by midwives or female family members. Women played a central role in the birthing process, and their knowledge and experiences were passed down through generations. With the advent of patriarchal systems, religion, and modern science and medicine, childbirth shifted from homes and women to hospitals, leading to a reduction in women's involvement in decision-making during labour and birth. 

While modern medical interventions have saved lives and improved maternal and infant mortality rates, there is a growing recognition that childbirth has, in many cases, been overly medicalized to the detriment of women's autonomy and the natural birthing process.  In addition, modern approaches to birth often focus so much on delivering the baby, that it has lost sight of the mother, so much so that The World Health Organisation has been calling for changes to the way women are cared for during birth.

In the disconnect from women’s natural birthing instincts and involvement, comes an increase in fear and anxiety.  Fear and anxiety around childbirth and/or becoming a mother can lead to traumatic birth experiences and potentially avoidable interventions for mothers and babies. Stress and impaired bonding during pregnancy and during and after the birth can have adverse effects on maternal and infant health.  

Research reveals that at least 1 in 4 women finds some aspect of their birth traumatic.  Around 1 in 5 women develop mental health issues when they're pregnant or in the first year after baby's born and 1 in 25 women suffer from postnatal post-traumatic stress disorder. Research also shows that when pregnant women experience stress, it can affect a child's immune system and how their brain develops, increasing the chances of the child having mental health issues in the future.

Aims and Approach:

Most existing support for women and couples during pregnancy and leading up to childbirth is mainly focused on the practical preparations and physical processes.  MotherSong aims to prioritise emotional and personal  support in the transition from womanhood to motherhood, and address fears and emotional barriers associated with childbirth. It will provide tools for connecting with innate wisdom  and empowering women to take ownership of their birthing experience. 

Regardless of how a birth may unfold, MotherSong aims to help women feel grounded in their intuitive understanding and open to change —emotionally, physically, and personally - so that birth can be experienced without trauma.   MotherSong honours pregnancy and childbirth as a transformative journey celebrating the transition to motherhood as a profound and personal experience.

Singing offers mood-enhancing benefits, stress reduction, and improved mental and emotional wellbeing. Circle singing in a group builds community, and provides an outlet for creativity and emotional release. Collaborative Vocal Improvisation (CVI) adds an intuitive layer which, when integrated with breath, body awareness, ritual, and therapeutic voicework, becomes a transformative process,  reducing fear and supporting women in the embodiment of their natural power.

These creative techniques will:

• Guide participants through fear, stepping into personal power.

• Support participants in discovering the inherent potency of their voice, building confidence in making sound, and how voice can deepen the connection to self.

• Help mother connect with baby through voice  in beautiful,  individual and natural ways.

• Develop the building blocks of CVI for self-facilitation and group singing so that the group can continue beyond the project.

• Empower women to find their voice beyond song, being able to state their needs and retain body autonomy

• Offer sound, breath and body tools for inner calm, connection and pain management during pregnancy, labour, and postpartum care.

• Offer tools for a mindful birthing experience encouraging participants to listen to their inner wisdom.

• Create rituals that support the transition from woman to motherhood.

• Provide therapeutic sessions that can go deeper, addressing specific needs or blocks for participants. 

Artwork by Kalaéja Emaun

I am working in partnership with the Centre for Arts and Wellbeing. We are in the early stages of putting together a team and seeking funding. If this interests you, please do get in touch.