Divine feminine energy and childbirth
The Divine Warrior Goddess Durga was present during my last 24 hour shift at my local hospital. Who is Durga? She is a manifestation of Shakti, Divine Feminine Energy, in the Hindu Tradition. Durga is depicted as a warrior with 8 arms, often seen riding a lion; and she fights with a smile. She is known for protection, strength and motherhood. She combats evil and demonic forces that threaten peace and love.
It was a true spiritual experience to deliver this baby. When every star baby is born into this reality, it is special, but this one was extraordinary. Savannah was a first-time mom, just 21 years old. She came in early labor and it was very painful. Her labor lasted over 24 hours. She was accompanied by her mother and her boyfriend. The patient wished to have natural childbirth. She specifically told me NO epidural. But the contractions were intense and extremely painful.
Her boyfriend was very supportive. He held her hand for much of the time. But what held such striking splendor for me during this process, after having done about 5000 births in my professional life, was Savannah’s mother, Melissa. She was even wearing a sweatshirt that said “Mama Bear”, and she manifested that sweatshirt during this childbirth journey.
This Mother-daughter love was beautiful and magical to witness. The positive high vibe energy in the room was palpable. I witnessed Mama Bear hold space for her daughter during the entire labor and birthing process. Savannah’s labor was complicated, and she screamed in pain for many hours. Mama Bear was there to hold space her pain, her fears, her emotions; and to advocate for her daughter’s wishes when Savannah was in too much pain to speak. She never tried to convince her to get an epidural or alter her birth plan wishes. She never gave up on her daughter. The way Mama Bear looked into her daughter’s eyes gave Savannah strength to endure the arduous journey. Through each painful contraction were positive words to her daughter “you got this” and “I know you can do this” and “I believe in you”.
Durga is the Warrior Goddess, and she was present during this labor and every woman present to help support the birth of this child was embodying Durga. Savannah had several nurses taking care of her. They also showed up fully with this divine feminine energy to support her. Durga supported me as well, so I would also not give up on Savannah, by perhaps, offering her a Cesarean Section.
About 16 hours into the labor, it was time for Pitocin, a hormone that increases the strength of contractions. Savannah was not progressing. The Pitocin was going to make the contractions stronger and more painful.
At midnight, about 20 hours in, Savannah was fully dilated and it was time to push. She pushed for over two hours and had not delivered. She was giving up hope and was in so much pain and crying, despite at that time, having had an epidural. I watched her mother continue to encourage her, and the nurses continue to inspire her, giving Savannah the strength to push for two more hours and deliver her son.
There was no discussion of a Cesarean section; no one would have faulted me for offering this to Savannah. In fact, a lot of times both patients and family members do give up and ask if I will perform one. Durga’s energy in the room kept me going too. Don’t give up, we’ve got this.
After it was all over, I went to Mama Bear and I gave her a big hug and I thanked her. There was so much beauty in that delivery. I watched the love from one generation to the next, from a mother for her daughter, and the love of that daughter for her child, a young mother embodying Divine Durga energy because she had the support of so much feminine energy around her.
I’ve been delivering babies for 20 years, and earlier in my career, it was so one- dimensional. The practice of Western Medicine itself is devoid of any spirituality. Residency doesn’t train you for the spiritual side of childbirth. It’s more like a factory style baby delivery service. It didn’t even help me with the spiritual side of my own children’s birth. It was only after years of working on my own past childhood trauma, with the help of entheogens, that I am now able to see with clarity, and witness the spirituality of it all, and Savannah’s delivery felt like the culmination of all my spiritual work in the last 5 years. And during the last 5 years, it is with the spirit of Durga that I continue on the spiritual path, fighting for my spirit, and the spirit of my children.
So yes, Durga energy doesn’t stop after childbirth. Mothers fight every day for their kids, as I have been fighting for my children’s souls since my conscious awakening 5 years ago; and even when they are grown up, as Mama Bear fought for Savannah. To embody Durga is to embody peace, love, strength and womanhood. In times of self-doubt and fear, or when you are searching for strength, perhaps not sure how you are going to make it through the day, close your eyes, take a deep breath and picture Durga. She’ll come and visit you. Embody her and you will climb mountains.
(Posted with permission from Savannah and her family)