in reading the many stories of birth on the fear thread and in a couple of gaskin's books i'm currently reading, what hits me is i wish there were birthing groups. as a person who believes, more or less, in my body/spirit's ability to bring my child safely into this world, i am finding i really like the idea of a powerful group of other mamas and mamas to be in the room with me. not necessarily friends, even, but women who have a consciousness about birthing and have had experience with it.... to be there. i think it would be calming. i think there would be a lot of collective wisdom in the room. i wish there were a bunch of novice attendees and experienced mamas to be with me when i gave birth. enough of these stories of doulas that crap out and enough of my anxiety over how to afford a midwife. i think what i really want in there is good company.