10-year old Mashki-ziibiing Midwife

Article written by Ashland Daily Press:

Audrey Nelis-Stone has a connection with her newborn sister that runs deeper than genetics.

The 10-year-old was the primary traditional midwife for the birth of her youngest sister, Elowyn, on July 15 at their home in the Bad River reservation.

She trained for the moment under the guidance of her mom, who’s a Traditional Birth Worker. Audrey’s mom, Hope Nelis-Stone, considers the birth “monumental” not only for her family, but for the “entire tribal community.”

“[This] is regaining sovereign birth rights and traditional birthing practices,” Hope said.

Hope was in an apprenticeship for several years and attended college to learn how to be a midwife using Native traditions.

“My journey began due to the discrimination and institutional racism I faced with the birth of my first child at the only local hospital. I knew I wanted different for the experience of birth,” she said. “My midwifery care was healing, it was empowering, and it helped me find my voice and the fire in my passion.”

In an Ojibwe birth, Stone said the birth typically takes place outside and there is a birth fire, serving as a way for the spirit to travel safely. A woman would also give birth in a round lodge meant to replicate the mother’s womb.

“The space is known to be spiritually sacred,” Hope said. “It represents a connection between you and Mother Earth. When the baby is in the womb, its sacred waters are still in the spiritual world.”

Seeing her mother in action as a birth worker inspired Audrey. Hope helped Audrey for several months to prepare for Elowyn’s birth.

“She’s very mature for her age and naturally wants to help people,” Audrey said.

When the baby was due, Audrey was ready to go. She helped deliver the baby and cut Elowyn’s umbilical cord without any hesitation.

Hope had no doubt Audrey would be ready for the big day.

“She made sure I was well taken care of and was caring throughout the whole process,” Hope said. “It was amazing. I got to see everything she learned in a quick amount of time.”

Audrey said she was unfazed by all the emotions and enjoyed the experience.

“I delivered my own sister. It was nice,” she said.

The experience formed a “special connection” with her and Elowyn, Audrey said. Elowyn was nine pounds and about 21 inches tall when born.

As a midwife, Hope enjoys working with the expecting mother for several months prior to giving birth. After a baby is born, Hope continues to work with the family for another 12 months, helping with the initial stages of parenting.

Audrey wants to continue learning from her mom and working alongside her.

“I like to help people. I love to see babies. Me and my mom work together a lot. I am really interested in it,” Audrey said.