Birth stories on stage

A UNIQUE story-sharing event celebrating personal stories of life and childbirth is coming to Murwillumbah later this month.

Birth Stories on Stage features 13 local women in an innovative production sharing their experiences of giving birth in all its rawness and reality.

While not necessarily a topic of interest to all, midwife, childbirth educator, and event director Sali McIntyre said birth was relevant to everyone’s health and wellbeing.

“One in four women report experiencing some form of birth trauma from their birth experience,” McIntyre said.

“Many women may find themselves reflecting on their own birth stories when they read about others’ experiences.

“As a birth educator, my enduring passion is to educate and empower women and their partners with the information they need to prepare for their birth experience.”

The stories from performers offer a glimpse into the mystery, intensity, and transformation of birth, introducing a new kind of storytelling to the region — one that organisers believe honours birth as a rite of passage and a profoundly human experience.

The event is also a fundraiser for the Birth Wellness Festival, scheduled to take place on September 13-14 at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds.

A raffle will raise funds for the forthcoming festival, offering prizes including pregnancy massage, sacred womb healing, doula care services, a traditional women’s healing package, and books by local authors.

The event ‘Celebrating Birth, Strengthening Community, Honouring Culture’ aims to inform, educate, and support women in achieving well-nourished, happy, and healthy pregnancies and making informed choices about their birth experiences.

“Our intention for this gathering is to foster a sense of belonging and community and to make families aware of the resources available here,” McIntyre said.

“We create space for you to hear from midwives, doulas and holistic practitioners to support you through your pregnancy journey.”

For tickets to Birth Stories on Stage at M|Arts on June 18, visit events.humanitix.com/birth-stories-on-stage