Ina May Gaskin

Date of Birth: March 8, 1940

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Biography

Ina May Gaskin, born Ina May Middleton, is an American midwife and author, widely regarded as a pioneer in the field of natural childbirth. She was born on March 8, 1940, in Marshalltown, Iowa. Ina May graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in English, but her life’s work took a dramatic turn when she became involved in the countercultural movement of the 1960s. In 1971, she co-founded The Farm, a commune in Summertown, Tennessee, with her husband Stephen Gaskin. It was here that she began her journey into midwifery, helping women deliver their babies naturally and safely. She later established The Farm Midwifery Center, which gained international recognition for its success in natural birthing techniques. Ina May has authored several influential books on midwifery and childbirth, including “Spiritual Midwifery” and “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth.” Her work has inspired countless midwives and has led to significant changes in the way childbirth is approached in many parts of the world. She is a vocal advocate for the midwifery model of care and has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the field.

5 Interesting Facts about Ina May Gaskin

1. Ina May Gaskin is often referred to as the “mother of authentic midwifery.”

2. She is the founder of the Safe Motherhood Quilt Project, which aims to raise awareness about maternal mortality in the United States.

3. Ina May’s book “Spiritual Midwifery” has been translated into multiple languages and is considered a seminal work in the field of midwifery.

4. She has received the Right Livelihood Award, often considered the “Alternative Nobel Prize,” for her work in midwifery.

5. Ina May’s work has been featured in numerous documentaries and television programs, bringing greater visibility to midwifery and natural childbirth.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ina May Gaskin

1. “Your body is not a lemon.”

2. “When we as a society begin to value mothers as the givers and supporters of life, then we will see social change in ways that matter.”

3. “There is no other organ quite like the uterus. If men had such an organ they would brag about it. So should we.”

4. “Remember this, for it is as true as true gets: Your body is not a lemon. You are not a machine. The Creator is not a careless mechanic.”

5. “Even if it has not been your habit throughout your life so far, I recommend that you learn to think positively about your body.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures are not publicly available, Ina May Gaskin’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, mainly from her books and speaking engagements.

Children

Ina May Gaskin has four children: Eva, Samuel, Paul, and Laura. They have all been supportive of her work and some have even been involved in The Farm community.