In the intimate and sacred space of homebirth, I am often deeply moved by the ways families bring the presence of their loved ones into the birthing process. There is a quiet, yet powerful, symbolism that unfolds as they prepare for the arrival of their child, connecting with those who have come before them in ways that are both tangible and spiritual.
Today marks the fifth birthday of a sweet baby boy, born into his mother’s hands, surrounded by photos of his great-grandmother who passed while she was pregnant with him. I remember the tenderness of that moment—the way the mother cradled her newborn while being held by the presence of her own grandmother, captured in those cherished photographs. It was as though the past and present met in that sacred space, and in that connection, the mother found the strength and comfort she needed to welcome her son into the world.
On this same day, today, another beautiful story unfolds—a sweet baby girl was born into her father’s hands, her entrance into the world accompanied by the visit of a cardinal at the window. The family, deeply aware of the symbolism, recognized the cardinal as a sign from her great-grandmother, whose spirit seemed to be present in that small, vibrant bird. The timing of the cardinal’s appearance felt like a blessing, a reassurance that the great-grandmother was there, watching over the birth, offering her love and protection to the newest member of the family. The cardinal, a bright and vivid symbol, also seemed to embody the love between this mother and father, a bond that carried their daughter safely into the world.
I have seen families place a cherished heirloom on a bedside table—perhaps a grandmother’s necklace or a mother’s wedding ring—something small yet significant that carries the weight of generations. These objects are not just keepsakes; they are symbols of the lineage that continues through the birth of a new child. As labor progresses, these items seem to take on a life of their own, embodying the strength, love, and resilience of the family’s loved ones, offering silent but potent support to the birthing parent.
In one particularly poignant moment, I witnessed a woman hold onto rocks that had belonged to her mother, who had passed away. These rocks were more than just stones; they were a connection to her mother’s spirit, grounding her in the love and strength that had been passed down to her. After her baby was born, she looked at those rocks several times, as if drawing on the presence and support of her mother, who was with her in spirit during this profound moment.
In my own journey as a midwife, I feel the presence of my family guiding me as well. I personally gave birth to both of my children on a blanket that my great-grandmother had made. This blanket, which was lovingly crafted by her hands, provided me with a deep sense of connection to my roots, wrapping me and my children in the warmth and care of generations past. In my office in Jackson, I have a picture of my Great Great Grandmother Maddie Little, who was a midwife in Arkansas. Her picture hung in the hallway of my home throughout my entire childhood. I was always told her name and that she was a midwife, and even as a child, I felt a deep connection to her work. Having her image in my office is more than just a tribute; it’s a reminder of the lineage of care and compassion that runs through my veins. Her spirit, her dedication to helping women, is something I carry with me in every birth I attend.
There are moments when the room fills with the sound of an ancestral song or a lullaby that has been passed down through generations. The melody, familiar and comforting, bridges the present with the past, and I can almost feel the presence of grandmothers and great-grandmothers, their voices mingling with the present, guiding and encouraging. These songs are more than just music; they are the echoes of those who have nurtured, loved, and birthed before, wrapping the birthing parent in a cocoon of love.
I’ve witnessed the significance of certain animals or birds that appear during labor. A hawk circling above, a dove perched nearby, or the quiet presence of a family pet—all are seen as messengers or guardians. Deer and their fawns, too, often make their appearance at births, symbolizing innocence, grace, and the tender nurturing of new life. These creatures are viewed as signs that those who have passed are near, watching over the birth, bringing with them messages of protection and strength. There is a reverence for these signs, a deep belief that these animals carry the spirit of those who have passed, offering their guidance and support. Different things hold different meanings for each of us, and who am I to say what any of it symbolizes? It’s just a beautiful thing to observe, to be a witness to these moments that carry so much significance, whatever that may be.
Many times, I also see families deeply rooted in their faith, coming together in prayer before and during labor. They ask for safety, for God’s hand to be present in the birth, and for the well-being of both the birthing parent and the baby. These moments are powerful, as they bring a sense of peace and spiritual connection into the birthing space. The act of praying together, of seeking divine guidance and protection, is a profound way of bringing their faith and their loved ones into the process, trusting that they are surrounded by love and care from both seen and unseen forces.
Families also bring photographs of loved ones into the birthing space, creating a visual connection to the past. I’ve seen birthing parents draw strength from the gaze of a grandparent’s photo, feeling their presence close, as if they are holding their hand through the journey of labor. These images become more than just pictures; they are windows to another time, another place, where those who have passed stand, waiting to welcome the new life into the world.
There is a quiet beauty in how families incorporate these symbols into their birth experience. It’s a way of honoring the past, acknowledging that they are not alone in this journey, but are surrounded by the wisdom, love, and strength of those who have come before. In these moments, the birthing space becomes a sacred place, filled with the presence of loved ones, guiding the new life into the world with all the love and protection they have to offer.
Witnessing these rituals, I am reminded of the deep connections that bind us to our families, our histories, and our roots. Birth, in these moments, is not just the start of a new life but a continuation of a story that began long ago, with the spirits of those who came before offering their unwavering support as we welcome the newest member of the family.
With love and gratitude,
Patricia
Love & Root Homebirth Midwifery and Apothecary 