Help Me Bring Back Sacred Birth Wisdom

Story

Greetings! My name is Cindy Montanez and I'm a passionate student midwife, anthropologist, and proud mother of two amazing daughters. My journey in birthwork is deeply rooted in the desire to support birthing women with care that is sacred, ancestral, and culturally informed. As a busy mom of two young girls, I spend my days balancing part-time work, caring for my elderly mother, and pursuing my calling as a student midwife. It's not always easy, but I am deeply passionate about birthwork and committed to supporting families especially those in undeserved communities. This October, I have the incredible opportunity to attend the Wombs of the World Summit in Berlin, Germany - a global gathering of traditional midwives, birthworkers, and healers who are preserving indigenous birthing traditions from around the world. This Summit brings together top voices in holistic, evidence-based, and community-centered birth work. I'll have the chance to learn about centering indigenous knowledge, sacred ceremonies, global teachings, community building, hands-on workshops, and connect with other birth workers. This will deepen my ability to support birthing women through one of the most vulnerable and powerful experiences of their lives. In the United States, we are facing a maternal health crisis: • High cesarean rates • Rising infant mortality • Alarming maternal morbidity - especially among Black and Indigenous communities I believe the answer to healing our broken system lies in honoring the wisdom of traditional midwives, whose practices are rooted in community, ceremony, and respect for the body and birth. As both a midwife-in-training and anthropologist, my goal is to learn from these elders and bring their teachings back to my community here in the U.S. I am raising funds to attend the Wombs of the World Summit this October because it will equip me with powerful tools to support birthing women in my community. It will allow me to study firsthand the rituals, techniques, and philosophies of global midwifery traditions and apply those lessons to serve birthing women with more compassion, cultural understanding, and holistic support. With so much on my plate, affording this journey on my own isn't possible. That's why I am asking for your support. The cost of attending is $10,000, which includes registration, travel, lodging, travel insurance, and meals. ✈️ Travel to Berlin – Round-trip flight from the U.S. to Berlin, Germany (estimate may vary depending on your location and when you book) Includes airport transfers and basic luggage fees ️ Summit Registration – Covers full access to the Wombs of the World Summit sessions, workshops, and materials May also include pre- or post-summit events and community gatherings Lodging (5–6 nights) – Budget hotel, Airbnb, or hostel accommodations near the summit venue Includes taxes and service/cleaning fees ️ Food & Local Transportation – Daily meals, snacks, and drinks (Berlin can be affordable, especially with groceries or simple meals) Public transportation (train, bus, or rideshare) Miscellaneous/Contingency – Travel insurance Currency exchange fees, minor emergencies, or last-minute expenses Your donation - no matter the amount - brings me one step closer to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Please share this campaign with others who share this vision and are able to support. By helping me attend this Summit, you're not just investing in my growth - you're supporting a broader mission to restore, reclaim, preserve, and protect birthing sovereignty, dignity, and wellness for all families. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me and in the power of ancestral birthwork. With love and gratitude, Cindy Montanez