6 Ways Psychedelic Guides and Midwives are on the Same Transformative Path

I was sitting in a session recently with a client navigating a particularly challenging section of a psilocybin journey, and it struck me that there was something familiar about the sounds she was making, the encouraging words I was repeating, and the way I held her hand it mine. I was momentarily transported back 18 years the the first birth I was honored to witness. My strong dear friend was just about at the end of the grueling all day process, but baby was in distress and she was struggling to birth him quickly. I was supposed to be there for support but I was frozen. There was a look of utter panic in everyone’s face, except for the midwife was was calmly and clearly coaching her through the ordeal. I remember watching in awe. Now, sitting here with my clIent, I recognized that skill set as a psychedelic coach and guide that I had developed since that time was strikingly similar to a midwife, in some ways, and I quickly jotted down “midwife/guide similar path?” on my nearby notepad to ponder more later.

And, think about it later I did! In fact over the next few days I realized the the shared experiences and parallels between psychedelic therapy and midwifery run so deeply I’m surprised there isn’t more networking between the professions. I would venture we can gain at least a better understanding of the practice of supporting and coaching someone through a profoundly transformative and emotional experience from each other. Perhaps creating a more holistic approach to guiding individuals through life’s journeys.

Bringing new life into the world is a profound and life-altering experience, whether it's the birth of a new soul or the rebirth of one through a transformative psychedelic journey. There are many parallels and connections between the work of a psychedelic guide and that of a midwife. Although there are important distinctions between these two roles, there is much that the psychedelic therapy and midwifery communities can learn from each other.

As we explore the similarities between psychedelic guides and midwives, it's important to recognize that although both of these paths for care are marginalized in our modern culture and the people who choose them often seen as unconventional and irresponsible, the practice of both have deep, ancient roots and proven over time to be safe and effective. However, in the last couple decades people are starting to have their eyes opened to the wisdom and support they have had taken from them in moving birth into a medicalized model, and the choice to birth with a midwife is making a strong resurgence. Hopefully the same might be coming to psychedelics as it becomes more commonplace, loses its taboo nature, and we are seeing how it can be used in place of, or augment the use of, pharmaceuticals, medical doctors, and other therapies.

So, here are the six ways that I have come up with that these two paths are parallel. But I have no doubt there are more. Please let me know in the comments if you can think of any others!

A New Life:

Both psychedelic therapy and childbirth involve the emergence of new life. In childbirth, it is the physical birth of a baby, while in psychedelic therapy, it is the birth of a new perspective or outlook that brings new life. These journeys are strikingly similar in their transformative power, requiring immense courage and willingness to surrender to the unknown.

Preparation and Care:

Prior to the birth of a child or a psychedelic journey, meticulous preparation and care are paramount. Midwives and psychedelic guides invest significant time and effort into readying the individual for their experience. They create safe and nurturing environments, conduct thorough assessments, and ensure their clients feel supported, informed, and empowered to embark on their transformative journey.

Navigating Unpredictable Outcomes:

Both psychedelic journeys and childbirth share the uncertainty of unpredictable outcomes. No one knows for certain how the experience will unfold. This uncertainty can evoke a wide range of emotions, from excitement to apprehension. The guide or midwife plays a crucial role in providing compassionate guidance and support, anchoring the individual with a sense of safety and trust throughout the process.

The Real Work Begins:

The birth of a child or the psychedelic journey may seem like the climax of the experience, but it is only the beginning of a new chapter. The real work lies in integrating and living with the newfound life, whether it's adapting to parenthood or incorporating a transformed perspective into daily life. Both experiences require patience, self-reflection, and a commitment to personal growth that extends far beyond the initial journey.

Handling Emergency Situations:

Though rare, both childbirth and psychedelic journeys can present emergency situations that demand immediate attention. Midwives and psychedelic guides are trained to navigate these critical moments with skill and calmness, ensuring the safety and well-being of those in their care. Their ability to draw upon a diverse range of tools and techniques keeps the individual grounded, focused, and supported during these delicate moments. There are also situations in both fields of work that result is devastating and life-changing outcomes. These are very rare in both cases, and through proper care and preparation can mostly be mitigated, but sometimes biology takes over and despite our best efforts and due to the fault of nobody involved, there are catastrophic outcomes.

Understanding the Flow and Cycle of the Process:

Experienced midwives and psychedelic guides possess a deep understanding of the natural flow and cycle of the process. Through their keen observation of sounds, movements, and energy, they intuitively gauge where their client is on their journey. This intuitive connection allows them to provide personalized care, adjusting their approach to meet the unique needs of the individual.

While the roles of a psychedelic guide and a midwife differ in many ways, their work shares profound parallels, illuminating the transformative power of both psychedelic therapy and midwifery. Both practices bring new life into the world, navigate long and intense processes, require thorough preparation, and respond to the unpredictability that defines their respective journeys. By recognizing and appreciating these shared experiences, both communities can foster a deeper understanding and connection. Embracing the wisdom and lessons learned from one another can create a more holistic approach to guiding individuals through life's transformative experiences.

Ultimately, it is through these parallel journeys that we can celebrate the beauty, resilience, and profound impact of both psychedelic therapy and midwifery. Open your mind and embrace the transformative power of these unconventional paths to growth.

Now please excuse me while I try to go find some midwives to hang out with…