In this opening module we will explore the messages we received in childhood in regards to our bodies, masturbation and pleasure in general, and how this has impacted our physical & emotional bodies, specially in the process of conceiving & gestating new life. We will also deconstruct the myths and visuals we have been exposed to about motherhood, birthing and pain. In this session we will also explore the possibility of self-pleasure, body exploration and orgasmic energy as the preparation for pregnancy and birth. We will also look at the role of oxytocin as a provider of powerful instinctual and bonding behavior necessary for the mother-baby unit to thrive. Lastly, we will learn about Xochiquetzal as an energetic manifestation or Spirit that serves as the guardian of oxytocin, fertility and pleasure.

In this module we explore the influence of the four elements and of some celestial bodies, such as Grandmother Moon, in pregnancy and in the new person being gestated. We will also learn how these energies influence personality, energy and temperature and how they are categorized in Nahuatl culture, as important descriptors of people, their gifts and their purpose. Lastly, we discuss the importance of full presence by both parents in the moment of conception and what this can look like for those who go through IVF processes.

In this module, we learn about the 12 Natsetni - the guardians of midwives, birth, pregnant people and babies, within Totonaca culture. Through storytelling, Montse brings them back to life and shares intimate family lore about the role of these guardian Spirits. Paulina shares about the three different paradigms of health we have available in today’s society, and how the four elements of creation show up in our bodies & personalities. She shares about how the elements show up in the process of labour and birth and the importance of knowing how to interpret them, in order to tend to the needs of birthing people and direct the energy in the room in a wise way.

In this module, Paulina Jimenez, Traditional Midwife, shares with us an introduction to traditional medicine that covers the energy points of the body and how she holds ceremonies for the families that she cares for. After this, Paulina shares the importance of having a spiritual "hierarchy" amongst the birth team: recognizing who is in charge of directing the energy & making important decisions in benefit of the birthing person and baby, and what the role of the Doula or Birth Companion looks like within this order.

In this module, Montse shares the specific teachings and protocols in regards to the postpartum period that are followed in Totonaca & Nahuatl tradition. She covers spiritual anchors, ritual foods, the spiritual roots of postpartum depression and more. Briseida Arco Cruz, from the Zapoteca community of San Miguel Beltrán in Oaxaca is a traditional midwife by lineage. She shares with us how she tends to postpartum families according to her cultural tradition. In this module Briseida also shares about placenta medicine.

In this module, Briseida Arco, traditional Zapoteca midwife, shares with us about the importance of knowing how to catch the early signals of postpartum depression. She also shares about the experience of the newborn baby landing on this Earth and how to show up energetically for both the parent & baby, in order to safely hold them through such a tender and vulnerable experience.

In this module, Tecpaxochitl Gonzalez from @chichihualtia walks us through an understanding of Xochiquetzal, a Nahuatl guardian of childbirth & lactation, according to their research and interpretation of the Codices, specifically the Codice Borgia from Nahuatl & Ñu'u Savi communities. We discuss the role of oxytocin, colostrum & milk in a healthy postpartum, the importance of having a safe environment for lactation and of supporting the mother/parent-baby dyad.

In this last session, we discuss the Totonaca & Nahuatl perspective on death and loss during pregnancy or early postpartum. Montse also helps us explore our own views of death according to our current worldviews and whether these are supportive of the grieving process. She will also discuss the possibility of healing and integration through specific spiritual practices that help open a channel of communication with your Spirit baby and create a positive, long-lasting bond.

1. Labour & Birth: Embodying Creator & Earth, Tending to the Fire of Birth

   In this bonus module, Montse shares about how birthing people during labour can embody both Creator and Mother Earth; the spiritual and the physical. Montse goes deeper into how the ceremony of birth plays out and the role of those who are "tending to the fire" in physical, symbolic and energetic ways. Be ready to reflect on YOUR own birth story! 

2. The Ceremony of La Cuarentena in Totonaca Culture
   In this bonus module, Montse shares the specific teachings and protocols in regards to the postpartum period that are followed in some Totonaca & Nahuatl communities. She covers spiritual anchors, ritual foods, postpartum depression and more. This module is complementary to the modules that will be presented by Briseida Arco, who is from Zapoteca culture. You may find many similarities and some differences too. Indigenous cultures in Mexico often share a common foundation in our worldviews, but we may carry different teachings. It's important that if you do choose to adopt some of these practices, that you can distinguish what comes from where and always give credit to those who taught you.

3. Setting yourself up for a successful and restful Cuarentena
   In this module Montse shared some actionable steps for families and birth workers in order to ensure a successful Cuarentena: full of rest, proper recovery, herbal medicine, nourishing meals and with plenty of oxytocin for bonding and connection. 

4. The Mysteries of the Placenta & the Umbilical Cord
   In this module Montse will discuss some of the spiritual practices and symbolism around the placenta and the umbilical cord, including burial practices, cord care and medicinal applications.