Red Medicine: Traditional Indigenous Rites of Birthing and Healing

I was drawn to this book because I am interested in Indigenous studies. I am a small percentage Indigenous, newly discovered information via genetic testing, and wasn’t raised with any specific cultural focus. As an adult I find myself longing for cultural significance and/or connection, something to feel grounded in. I began researching my ancestry a few years back before getting genetic testing and was able to trace some of my lineage to native reservations in OK, when I dug further I learned that my second great grandmother had died at childbirth while at the reservation. Its wildly fascinating to me that I have chosen a career/education path that directly ties into my ancestry, even before knowing that ancestry existed. As a result, I have been immersed in learning what I can of Indigenous cultures of all kinds.

 

I believe the intended audience is for those who are looking to expand their knowledge on Indigenous studies pertaining to birth and postpartum. Probably more aimed for practitioners or those seeing a deeper connection to indigenous teachings for personal reasons.

 

I feel like this book brings to the readers a since of sacred connection and knowledge. A way to learn and implement indigenous teachings to their life paths.

 

For me, this book offers in depth information and lineage on ancestral practices and beliefs that’s presented in a scholarly way making it feel like it holds significant substance on a topic that’s typically very hard to document and back up.

 

I think I would recommend this book to other people with an interest in more in-depth ancestral studies pertaining to pregnancy & birth. I think it would be a good resource for practitioners, but I could also see how an individual with interest in connecting to ancestral knowledge would also benefit from reading this book.