Sankofa is a word in the language of the Akan people of West Africa that translates as "reach back and get it" (san - to return; ko - to go; fa - to fetch, to seek and take). The adinkra for sankofa is either a bird with its head turned backwards taking an egg off its back, or as a stylised heart shape. Too often, mamas and papas to-be are caught up in an over-medicalized definition of pregnancy and birth that tends to instill fear, apprehension and even dread. Our bodies were created to carry and sustain life and know just how and when to bring baby earthside, but our minds can easily forget that when we are inundated with intimidating imagery that takes our focus off of the beautiful and divine nature of the process. Sankofa Mama embraces childbearing and childbirth in the traditional sense, as it was known to our ancient mothers. We live in a fast-paced, high-tech, instant-gratification world and this has spilled over even into the way we view pregnancy and birth. Newer and faster do not necessarily equate to better. It is my sincere belief that a return to ancient ways would help us secure a more brilliant and sustainable future. Pregnancy and birth are sacred rites of passage in a wombman's life. It's been said that when a child is born, a mother is born also. In the spirit of this truth, Sankofa Mama offers doula services and both private and group Hypnobirthing classes, designed to prepare not only for the arrival of a new baby earthside, but to aid in the transition of each wombman into her most important role yet.
