An infectious outlook that is so raw, so pure and
so innocent that it is nothing short of inspiring.
It’s hard not to feel a little guilty when confronted
with something like that. It forces you to take
a step back, perform a quick self-analysis and
behavioural reflection and surrender to an
overwhelming feeling of both gratitude and shame.
Gratitude for all of the things we are so lucky to
have, and shame for how many times we fail to
recognise just how lucky we are.
Inevitably, going to Uganda was going to pull
on the heart strings, and I knew that, but what I
wasn’t prepared for was the depth and intensity of
the emotions I would feel in such a short amount
of time.
I was emotionally pulled, yes, but I wouldn’t
necessarily say I was saddened by anything -
instead, I was simply awakened. I was witness
to things that although slightly shocking, were
also very inspiring, warming and empowering,
especially as a female. Birthing is seen as
beautiful, natural and a rite of passage. Birthing
is seen as wonderfully raw, almost sensual and
spiritual – a woman so closely connected and
intimately aware of her body, working with
passion and courage to bring a beautiful miracle
in to the world. As a 22-year-old woman with
childbirth to look forward to in my future, I can’t
find words to adequately describe my experience
and the change that has taken place in me since
this experience.
Each day was as the day before, yet somehow
completely different. Each morning we would
wake up and roll up pillows or jumpers and
pretend they were our babies inside our bellies
and participate in a prenatal yoga class before
walking through the village to the Shanti Uganda
birth home. These walks were one of my favourite
parts of the trip. Not only did we get to observe
the houses, people, food and living circumstances,
but children would come running from hundreds
of metres away every day just to say hello, give us
hugs and guide us along part of our walk. It was so
humbling to be surrounded each and every day by
their loving faces and beaming smiles!
At the birth home we would roll out bamboo
mats under a large tree amongst the herb and
vegetable gardens in the backyard and learned
theory beneath the shade that nature provided.
Afternoons were spent learning more theory
and practicing our own prenatal yoga teaching.
As we were doing this it was not uncommon for
women to be casually roaming around the gardens
in labour, leaning against trees or on all fours right
beside us. It was rather marvellous really; to be in
the presence of someone so grounded, calm and
relaxed, yet only moments away from giving birth.
It was my first real experience with someone in
labour, and it was fascinating to see that the reality
was nothing like I had imagined. It was inspiring,
and to be honest, made me excited for childbirth
rather than fearful.
TOP: Shanti Uganda
birthing home
At the birth home we
would roll out bamboo
mats under a large tree
amongst the herb and
vegetable gardens in the
backyard and learned
theory beneath the shade
that nature provided.
IMAGE BY Sjana Earp
40 Pindara Magazine