Reply To: Midwifery in The Frozen River

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January 16, 2025 at 6:49 am #32956

My heart went out to Rebecca in this story. Not because I had a situation similar to hers but because of the violent tragedy causing her pregnancy. To add insult to injury she had to testify in a public court presided over by a judge who just happened to be one of the men who brutally raped her. What were the odds that she would be heard and taken seriously in this prejudiced court? I so admire her courage and strength to stand there baring her soul and all the humiliating details of what was done to her. Reliving those horrid details once again. All the time knowing she may never get the retribution she so well deserves.

For nine months Rebecca lived with the daily reminder of what was done to her as her body changed and the life inside her grew. How do you emotionally heal under these circumstances? How do you reconcile with yourself your feelings for the life that is growing inside you? There will be no joy for Rebecca after enduring the hours of painful labor and delivery when she holds her baby daughter. I think Martha’s presence during the delivery was crucial to Rebecca’s survival of labor. And, when Rebecca told Martha to throw the baby in the river I saw how cold Rebecca’s heart had turned and wondered if she would ever be able to heal and be a kind and loving person once again. I so wished I could transport Rebecca to Three Pines where she could heal in an environment of love, compassion, and kindness. An environment where she would be validated as a valuable female.

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