The Power of Women: Instinctual Birth Stories

From as long as we can remember…
the oral tradition embroidered the past
with the present,
bringing forward
wisdom,
knowledge
and
strength
so later generations could thrive.

When women embarked on their journey into womanhood and motherhood, stories from their grandmothers, great-
grandmothers and ancestors came forth through songs, stories and what appeared as mythological tales. Upon hearing these stories, women became empowered to do what all women from which they came were able to do: give birth instinctually.
In this day and age, those oral traditions are viewed more as cultural curiosities than practical solutions.
But are they really?

Sister MorningStar's life-long service to women in their transitions into motherhood witnessed not only the power of story but the power of women who share their stories—her/stories. Her calling brought her to the cultures of Native and Rural Americans, Mennonites and Mexican Pueblos. Within the pages of this book, Sister MorningStar reveals to the reader compelling, enlightening and touching tales from her experiences with the women who opened themselves to trust their inner knowing of life giving.

So may the tradition continue: may you, your daughters and granddaughters find your voices too.


About the Author

Sister MorningStar has dedicated a lifetime to the preservation of instinctual birth among native people. Experientially she was raised in the Ozark Mountains within the influence of Cherokee traditions. She birthed her own daughters at home and has helped thousands of other wimyn find empowerment through instinctual birth. Politically she has served on state, national and international boards helping to oversee the development of midwifery certification programs. She serves on the C.A.S.A. International Advisory Board helping to oversee the continued stability of Mexico's first accredited Midwifery School and Maternity Hospital. She is the founder of a spiritual retreat center and author of books related to instinctual and spiritual living. She lives as a Cherokee Hermitess and Catholic Mystic in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. Visit at www.sistermorningstar.com.

WHY I CREATED THIS BOOK: Wisdom is passed on by women through story telling. The power of that wisdom within women became a source of respect and fascination for me in early childhood. With strong Cherokee roots, our matriarchal heritage provided me with daily opportunities to see the strength, brilliance, great love and instinctual life of my Great Grand Mother, Grand Mother and Mother—and to learn from them.
By twelve I had initiated my first women's study group. For the rest of my life I put into motion multiple spaces and places where women could come together, share, grow and pass along their wisdom and experience to their daughters and their daughter's daughters.

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