Participating in the True Midwifery Community

The Study Spirals are more than monthly meetings—they are a living community of practice rooted in connection, listening, and shared care. This page describes how we hold the space together, online and in our Telegram community.

1. Our Private Telegram Community

Our Telegram group is the heart of our ongoing community. It is a private, free space for those working in or connected to birth, women’s health, postpartum, and related fields.

If you’d like to join, please email us at [email protected].

Core Principles of the Space

This is a home for those called to guard, protect, and serve birth.

We gather around these shared values:

• We centre the basic needs of mothers, babies, and families.
• All birth attendants and supporters are welcome.
• We practise deep listening, presence, and mindful responding.
• We honour diversity of thought and approach.
• Offerings, resources, and teachings from community members are welcomed.
• This is a judgement-free space for honest reflection and learning.
• Images and stories are shared with respect and sensitivity.
• No screenshots or sharing outside the group without permission.
• New members are invited to introduce themselves with a short write-up or video.
• Stewardship is shared—community members may join as admins.

2. Call Culture & Etiquette

Before the Call

• You will receive reminders the day before and one hour before.
• Please add [email protected] to your contacts.
• We suggest arriving 10–15 minutes early to settle in.

During the Session

To help us create a calm and connected learning space:

• Please keep your microphone on mute unless speaking.
• Cameras on if possible—seeing one another supports connection.
• Minimise chat during sharing rounds to honour deep listening.
• Hold the confidential nature of the space with care.

3. Opening the Space

Every gathering begins with an opening—often a song, prayer, blessing, or brief grounding to help us arrive fully. Traditionally, the Grandmother Blessing is used in True Midwifery spaces, though this may vary depending on the theme or guest teacher.

We always:

• welcome newcomers
• orient everyone gently
• share a brief gratitude round to open our hearts and bodies to the space

4. The Thinking Environment

We use principles from Nancy Kline’s Thinking Environment to create a container rooted in:

• equality
• attention
• appreciation
• ease
• encouragement

A fuller explanation is included in a later lesson.

5. How We Learn Together

The Spirals are community-led and non-hierarchical.
We welcome:

• your suggestions
• your offerings
• your proposed themes
• book recommendations
• ideas for workshops, teachings, or future events

Our yearly schedule is planned in advance, but always remains open to organic growth.

A Feminine Container

While male-bodied beings are welcome in some offerings, the Spirals are predominantly held as a feminine, women-centred space. Some sessions may be women-only depending on the theme.

Confidentiality

Stories, images, and personal experiences shared in the space remain within the space.

6. Preparing Your Environment

A supportive environment makes a meaningful difference in online gatherings.
You may wish to have:

• a quiet, comfortable place
• natural light and fresh air
• water, tea, or nourishing snacks
• a notebook and pen
• a timepiece
• something that reminds you that you matter

If you cannot attend a session, please let us know via Telegram or email.

7. Recordings

Recordings and materials are uploaded within 24 hours and remain accessible on Teachable for the duration of your subscription or one-month access.

The Grandmother Blessing - Song

🌿 Benefits of Participating in the Spirals

In a world that can feel increasingly fragmented and demanding, being part of a supportive community is a profound gift. This is one of the first and greatest benefits of belonging to the True Midwifery family.

Our members come from many cultures, traditions, and landscapes, yet we are united in our commitment to compassionate birth on Earth. This diversity means that every conversation widens our understanding, deepens our awareness, and strengthens our collective wisdom.

True Midwifery offers a gentle, grounded container where those attends births can bring their fears, questions, learnings, and victories. It is a safe, held, and empathetic space for honest reflection.

Because our Study Spiral Sessions unfold monthly—and our Telegram community flows continuously—there is no pressure to rush, conclude, or hurry the learning. Everything is unhurried and unadrenalised. The community is always there, spiralling outward, ready to meet you wherever you are.

Our growing library of recordings and shared resources is available at any time, offering ongoing nourishment and reference.

And because birthwork demands flexibility, your participation can ebb and flow according to your life and needs. If you miss a live session, you can return to the recording when the moment is right. You can join discussions in Telegram whenever you feel drawn, or simply reach out if you need support.

In all these ways, the Spirals offer a steady, warm, and ever-expanding home for birthkeepers around the world.