I agree with you Julie. We have lost our village. Our woman circle. Well, as a society we have. Birth and pregnancy was put in a cupboard. I remember as a child being told not to say pregnant - it's rude by my grandmother. It wasn't discussed. It was too close to a sexual act I think.

Slowly it's coming out more though sometimes I lament at the comments I hear out there. Belly Belly is a wonderful place for that safety of sharing. We all come here with our little bags of life lessons. In sharing them and talking of them our births, pregnancies and families can be made richer and more educated (I believe).

I had a blessingway for a friend a few months back. I asked for a list of who she would like there. Everyone was so into the night. So into the ritual and celebration. But one of her friends refused to come. She said birth is a private matter and not one to be talked about or celebrated like a pagan ritual. Wow! I was shocked.

I believe as women and men we need to embrace our bodies more, embrace the amazing things they can do, support others to do what it it they can do, share our stories and our wisdom. Embrace some ritual and tradition...

You have started a beautiful thread Julie thankyou...