Author Archives: Geradine Simkins

I met one of my activist heros at the 2nd International Indigenous Women’s Health Conference held in Albuquerque last month. Buffy Sainte-Marie made history with her song—Universal Soldier—during the Vietnam War era. The song was actually about the individual responsibility … Continue reading →

After the long and tedious four-year cycle of conception, gestation, growth, and birth, my first book—Into These Hands, Wisdom From Midwives—was finally published in Spring 2011.  As it turned out, the first people to see it in print were the … Continue reading →

In 2000, at the turn of the millennium, my music-savvy son Sean turned me on to Erykah Badu. Since I grew up in Detroit during the Motown Era, Sean thought I would appreciate the eccentric neo-soul, hip-hop jazz sound of … Continue reading →

The Three Pillars for Global Midwifery In the triennium between 2008-2011, the ICM developed a group of essential documents through hard work by the Board, guidance from consultants who directed expert task forces, and support and participation by ICM member … Continue reading →

It was exhilarating to see the numerous international partners who attended the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) meetings in Durban, such as the World Health Organization, United Nations agencies, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the White Ribbon Alliance, … Continue reading →

The summer flew by in a flash of pulsating movement and spectacular color. I spent the month of June in South Africa at the Council meeting of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), and then at the ICM Congress. The … Continue reading →

Since its publication, we have been taking the book on the road with speaking tours, books signings and educational workshops. Everywhere we go, people seem to use some of the same language to describe Into These Hands. Words like “eye-opening, … Continue reading →

So two of my kids, Sean and Leah, went to a literary event for their friend Jacob Wheeler in a local bookstore in Chicago where he was sharing his newly published book, Between Light and Shadow, on adoption in Guatemala. … Continue reading →

On International Midwives Day, May 5, the Michigan Midwives Association (MMA) hosted a variety of activities. Two of my favorites—out of several wonderful events—are these. Road to Durban Last year, the President of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), Bridget … Continue reading →

Friday the 13th is a lucky day for me this year. Due to the generosity of Peter Makin at Brilliant Books, we will be having a book launching party in my home territory—Leelanau County—that will feature a meet and greet session, … Continue reading →