In this conversation with Gena McCarthy, RN, Perinatal Psychotherapist, Certified EMDR provider, community organizer and developer of integrative health programs and networks for nearly 40 years, we explore the importance of spiritual and psychological preparation to move powerfully through the transformative initiatory experiences that pregnancy and birth and motherhood offer. Gena shares compassionate practices and insights that honor our sacred feminine power, connect us with the Great Mother, and support healing from a difficult or traumatic pregnancy, birth or postpartum.

Some highlights:

How she was able to move ‘under the radar’ as an L&D Nurse and offer guided visualization for women on bedrest in the hospital with challenging health complications, and frequently saw symptoms subside.

The influence of several books and teachers in informing her growth personally and professionally; The Tibetan Art of Parenting by Anne Maiden Brown, the writings of Sobonfu Some, respected teacher of African spirituality, and Angeles Arrien, cultural anthropologist.

How her birthing experience informs her work and community ceremonial practices, The experience that brought her into knowing that we are capable of experiencing enlightenment and pleasure in birth.

The importance of safety in ceremony for overcoming fear and healing trauma. Gena shares several EMDR tools and practices for grounding, what to do if you are triggered, and healing trauma without having to feel the trauma.

For information on Gena’s workshops and sessions: www.birthspiritualityandhealing.com

Sandra Lloyd is a Shamanic Hypnotherapist, birth worker, and ceremonialist. She received expert training in Depth Hypnosis, Shamanism, Buddhist Psychology, Energy Medicine and Hypnotherapy at The Foundation of the Sacred Stream in Berkeley, CA. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology.

Sandra's path of healing service has been informed by two separate diagnoses and recoveries from cancer, as well her work since 2004 providing hands-on, unconditional support and advocacy for pregnant and birthing women navigating the complexities of the initiation of birth and passage into motherhood. Energetically "holding space" in the birth environment, and grounded in her connection with spiritual allies, she has been privileged to assist the safe and empowering passages of hundreds of new lives into this world.

We take a powerful journey starting off with the story of how ceremony came into Sandra's life. Meeting her first shamanic teacher and how she began her shamanic practice. Sandra also shares insights p but into weaving the work of being a birth worker and a ceremonialist, creating a power filled and protected energetic field for the birthing mother and the sacred practice of connecting to the Great Mother. Plus so much more!

To find out more about Sandra and her powerful work you can go to her website https://www.sandralloyd.net/ or follow her on Instagram @lloydlibra.

This Podcast shares stories of practice and wisdom from perinatal ceremonialists living in our communities and all over our earth. These stories are of women returning to an understanding and honoring of their own power. They help us welcome our babies as the unique precious beings they are and support them to be ready to continue the weaving of our future world. They promote safe passages for birthing families in these times of disconnection.

Gena McCarthy

www.birthspiritualityandhealing.com

Sandra Lloyd

www.sandralloyd.net

Elizabeth Theriault

www.ritesofpassagepostpartum.com