Blessed Greetings! I am very happy to welcome you to another installation of Spotlight! the place where Ase Ire highlights people who are doing positive things. I am joyful to introduce a sista who I have known since high school, Nubia Earth Bowman, and her company, Birth from the Earth, which provides birth and postpartum doula services, and childbirth education for families. In this time when childbirth has been largely removed from its sacred context and turned into a business that serves the best interest of insurance companies and doctors rather than women, men and babies, it is beautiful and refreshing to see Nubia and others like her remind women of the natural feminine power and the strength and resilience of their bodies. Here’s what Nubia shared with me about herself and her business:

Who is Nubia?
I am a devoted mother, daughter, wife, sister and friend with a passion for women’s health, a thirst to acquire knowledge and a strong desire empower individuals with factual information so that they can make informed decisions. I am an educator, a student, a giver, a calming force, a doula steeped in the Wise Women Tradition of healing, which teaches us to honor, nurture, nourish and respect our bodies. I am still, constantly learning...

What made you decide to become a doula and make a career doing what you love?
I had my first two children in a hospital and my last 2 at home with my midwife, husband and mother... the difference in the two sets of births were worlds apart. It was freeing to surrender and simply be... in a peaceful environment, with familiar hands and voices attending to me. I realized with the birth of my youngest son the importance of having continous labor support and also how vital it is to have an advocate there by your side during this sacred time. These are the things that led me to become a doula. I become so in tune with my clients that I can anticipate their needs simply by being aware of their body language. So far everyone who I have provided labor support to has had all natural births!

Any upcoming events or new areas you are branching into?
On September 21, 2011, I will host the first (of what I hope will become a continous event) Sister Circle: Healing Birth Stories. An opportunity for moms, moms-to-be, mothers-in-spirit, to share and listen to one anothers birth stories through the ancient art of storytelling and various exercises and activities. For more info or to attend this event, please visit my website for details.

What is your biggest aspiration? What would you do if money were no object?
My biggest dream/aspiration is to become a Midwife (something that I am working to make a reality). If money were not an issue I would open up learning centers and birthing centers throughout this country so that we can serve our women and their families with factual information about birth, the process... and the importance of turning it back to nature.

Closing piece of advice:
My advice to everyone (regardless of whether you are planning to have a child, or if you are male or female) is: take a course in YOU! Study yourself and how your body works. Take the time to be still, tune in and listen to what your body is telling you. Trust the brilliance of your body’s natural instinct and have faith in its ability to do what it is intended to.

E se gan an ni (thank you very much) Nubia for your time and the wonderful work you are doing! For more about Nubia and Birth from the Earth, visit her website and join her on facebook.