Author Archives: Geradine Simkins

Sometimes a poem says everything that needs to be said. Thank you Dawna Markova, author, teacher, psychotherapist, researcher, who makes this claim: “I followed in my precious grandmother’s footsteps to become a midwife, but rather than babies, I help birth possibilities within and between people.” On this fine, gray, quiet morning in the northwoods, Dawna’s poem speaksContinue reading ““A wing, a torch, a promise””

Since the pandemic was first acknowledged in the early months of 2020, a handful of midwives have been regularly gathering for a virtual cocktail party. I call them the Matriarch Midwives. Why that title? Because they are each in their sixties or seventies, they have fulfilled a lifelong commitment to a matriarchal system of healingContinue reading “Matriarch midwives cocktail party”

Two days ago my daughter Leah gave birth in the Centennial Farm that is her home in Northern Michigan. Her labor was quick and powerful. Her baby boy is strong and beautiful. She was surrounded by her beloveds and her midwives.  Forty years earlier I gave birth to her, at home, in a handmade houseContinue reading “Change is gonna come”

My ancestors are from the Celtic nations. Among their cultural traditions is a dedication to celebrating eight important days of the years, which they call high holy days. Most people are familiar with the four solar holidays—the summer and winter solstices and the spring and autumn equinoxes. The other four seasonal holidays fall on theContinue reading “Lammas Book Launch”

In the spring of 2016 I had the great good fortune to travel with my good friend and midwife colleague, Marina Alzugaray, as she made a journey to Cuba after 50 years of living in the United States, away from her beloved homeland of Cuba. Marina has been a practicing midwife in the US forContinue reading “Cuba: A brief journey in time”

I am please to tell you educators across the country are taking me up on my offer! To celebrate the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year I will send any midwifery program one free case of the text Into These Hands, Wisdom From Midwives. That’s 18 books, retail value of $450, for the price ofContinue reading “Educators: Have you ordered your FREE case of books?”

Each of the 25 midwives in Into These Hands, Wisdom From Midwives was chosen because I considered her to be a Sage Femme—a Wise Woman. Who are these women? “The midwives in this anthology are all over 50 years of age and each has been a midwife for more than 25 years, some for asContinue reading “A powerhouse of Grace and Guts: Who are the 25 authors?”

I am so happy to say Into These Hands, Wisdom From Midwives is now a required textbook in several midwifery programs in the U.S., both for CPMs and CNMs. FREE gift for educators In gratitude, and to celebrate the new 2015-2016 school year, I will send any midwifery educator one case of Into These Hands,Continue reading “Why are midwifery educators using Into These Hands in their programs?”

It’s almost ‘school time’ again for educators and new students. In my part of the world we are savoring the last gorgeous summer days and dazzling nights. For students and instructors its time for gathering materials and ordering books. Two years ago I sent every midwifery SCHOOL in the U.S. a copy of my newContinue reading “2015-2016 School Year Special: FREE case of books for all midwifery educators!”