katrina folkwell

 

DVD Review

The First Breath
by Katrina Folkwell

first breath

Katrina Folkwell has created a stunning audio-visual journey into the ecstasy and intensity of pregnancy, labour, birth and bonding. Her beautiful photographs capture the essence of birth's power and beauty. The sound track enhances the voyage invoking and deepening the emotional and spiritual experience.

The movie begins with images of pregnancy — honouring the natural beauty of the pregnant body. Katrina's use of light and nature — the earth, stones and wood, waves and water highlight the connection of the new mother with the earth.

Next we move into the images of women in labour — calling on their deepest powers and surrendering to their bodies as they prepare to give birth. The focus on their faces, the intense emotion is a touching reminder of the raw nature of birth and show their complete immersion in the experience, as they surrender to their bodies, venturing to that bridge beween the worlds to bring forth their child.

Many of the births shown are intimate home births and water births. It is beautiful to see so many images of natural normal birth— there are no tubes, wires, drips, or machines to be seen here. Just the inner power of the women and their support people. It is far from the images of medicalised birth commonly seen in the media. These are images of women in their power, not handing their power over to men and machines.

And the music builds as the baby's head emerges — the birthing woman moves through the ring of fire and the new child emerges into the world. The joy and relief clearly visible as the parents greet their child.

This is a wonderful DVD for pregnant mums and dads to watch while preparing for birth. The DVD is also an educational tool for midwives, doulas and others involved with birth.

Watch the trailer here (wmv, 3.2MB)
View a photo gallery with more of Katrina's photos here
(Requires Flash Player 8 or above) Download Flash Player for free from here.

For more information or to order online visit here: http://katfolkwell.com.au

reviewed by Michelle Meares

Ishtar by Judith Wright

When I first saw a woman after childbirth
the room was full of your glance who had just gone away.
And when the mare was bearing her foal
you were with her but I did not see your face.

When in fear I became a woman
I first felt your hand
When the shadow of the future first fell across me
it was your shadow, my grave and hooded attendant.

It is all one whether I deny or affirm you;
it is not my mind you are concerned with,
It is no matter whether I submit or rebel;
the event will happen.

You neither know nor care for the truth of my heart;
but the truth of my body has all to do with you.
You have no need of my thoughts or my hopes,
living in the realm of the absolute event.

Then why is it that when I at last see your face
under that hood of slate-blue, so calm and dark,
so worn with the burden of an inexpressible knowledge—
why is that I begin to worship you with tears?

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