Last week’s Study Spiral, Peace on Earth Begins at Birth, was one of those gatherings that quietly settles into the bones. Days later, I am still carrying the tenderness and the sense of profound connection that arose as we came together to honour the life and legacy of Michel Odent, a man whose work has shaped, guided, and challenged so many of us walking the path of True Midwifery.

There are moments in this work that feel like thresholds, where something subtle shifts in the collective field. This Spiral felt like one of them.

A Visit From Liliana

The most moving part of our time together was the presence of Liliana, Michel’s partner in life, birth, and death.

With an honesty that was both steady and fragile, she shared a recent birth she attended, a story woven with sensitivity, intuition, and that unmistakable presence of someone who has lived and breathed birth for decades.

She also spoke about the tenderness of Michel’s passing, her own grieving, and the intimacy of accompanying someone you have walked beside for so long. Her words did not come as teaching, but as transmission: a kind of living echo of Michel’s essence.

We became, without needing to try, a circle of elephants, quietly standing with her, holding her experience, her remembering, and her love.

In that moment, the Spiral became what it always hopes to be:
a place where wisdom meets humanity, and where our collective holding becomes a form of care.

The Lineage of Love and Attention

One of Michel’s most important teachings — and one Liliana echoed — is this:

“Birth is a story between two people — the mother and the baby.”

It’s such a simple sentence. And yet, in a world where birth has become increasingly technologised, politicised, and crowded with opinions, this truth feels more radical than ever.

The mother.
The baby.
Two nervous systems finding each other.
Two bodies completing an ancient dance.

Everything else is secondary.

Our Spiral felt like a return to that simplicity, not in a nostalgic way, but in a deeply embodied, grounded way. A remembering of what is actually essential.

Continuing Michel’s Care

After the session, I reached out to thank Liliana and asked whether there was a charity or cause that reflected Michel’s values, something to which we could donate the proceeds of the gathering.

Her answer surprised me with its sweetness.

She told me that Michel had always been especially protective of the birds and squirrels in their neighbourhood in London. Feeding them was a daily ritual of kindness. She still continues this small act on his behalf.

She suggested we donate to London Wildlife Protection, a local organisation that cares for urban wildlife.

And so, in honour of Michel, that is exactly what we will do.

I find something beautiful in this:
that our Spiral community, gathered in his name, will help feed the birds and squirrels he loved.

A simple, humble continuation of his care.

An Invitation Into Our Final Spiral of 2025

As we close this year of Study Spirals, a year rich with learning, remembering, and returning to the roots of our craft, we have one final gathering remaining.

And it is a special one.

Closing the Bones with Jodi Jade

In December, we welcome Jodi Jade, who will guide us into the lineage, history, and deeper purpose of the Traditional Mexican Closing of the Bones ceremony.

This Spiral will be an exploration of:

the origins of the Rebozothe wisdom of rites of passagehow ritual restores what modern life often fracturesthe variations and deep healing potential of Closing the Bonesand the essential elements of postpartum care and community holding

It feels like the perfect way to end the year — grounding us back into tradition, touch, and the sacred transitions that shape a woman’s life.

Join Us: 18 December 2025 // 11 am – 2 pm SAST (South African Standard Time)

Link: https://true-midwifery1.teachable.com/p/true-midwifery-study-spirals

Whether you are new to the Spirals or have been walking with us for some time, you are warmly welcomed. Each gathering is a circle unto itself — shaped by those who show up, and enriched by the wisdom held in our shared field.

As we continue to honour the lineages that nourish this work, I hope you will join us in closing the year with intention, reverence, and community.

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