The Sacred Path of Birth Guardianship: Reclaiming Sovereignty in the Birthing Journey
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Chaya of Shomrit Momtana to talk about the sacred path of birth guardianship - a term I hadn’t heard until we connected. Chaya supports women in reclaiming their sovereignty throughout the birthing journey and her presence is so grounded and nurturing that just listening to her felt like being wrapped in the wisdom of generations (if you'd rather listen to this episode, click here!). Chaya isn’t just someone who attends births; she’s a gentle protector, a guide who creates a space where mothers feel supported, respected, and seen in one of the most profound moments of their lives. As we spoke, it became clear that Chaya’s work is a sacred calling—a blend of presence, reverence, and love. She doesn’t just show up for mothers in labor; she shows up to honor their strength, holding a space that lets them tap into the deep wisdom they already carry.
Chaya describes birth as a “sacred act of creation,” far beyond a medical event or even a personal rite of passage. To her, birth is a transformational experience that invites mothers into a deeper connection with their bodies and spirit. Through her role, she serves as a guardian of that sacred space, honoring the journey each mother is on and protecting the atmosphere so she can safely walk her unique path. But what makes this concept so powerful is that it resonates beyond just the birth room. Whether or not we’re preparing for labor, each of us can feel held in our journeys, knowing that there is space for our strength to emerge, fully supported.
Seeing Birth as Sacred: Honoring the Feminine Wisdom
Chaya’s perspective on birth goes back to something primal and unshakable. She spoke of the role of a birth guardian not as one of control or “knowing what’s best” but as a partnership—a sacred dance between the mother and her own inner knowing. "The role of a birth guardian," she said, "is not about stepping in to fix or manage but to offer a grounded presence. It’s about standing beside the mother as she draws from the well of her own strength."
Hearing Chaya speak, I couldn’t help but think about how powerful it would be for all of us to feel this held in our experiences—to know there’s someone who can stand beside us with quiet reverence, allowing our strength to come forward. This is the essence of true support.
Reclaiming Sovereignty and Allowing Yourself to be Held
Central to Chaya’s vision is the idea of sovereignty. In birth, as in life, sovereignty means knowing you have authority over your choices and the space to express yourself fully. It’s about leaning into that self-assurance with the comforting knowledge that someone you trust is there, creating a safe, grounded space around you.
For the mothers Chaya serves, this means having the freedom to shape their own birth experience with her steady support. She described it beautifully: "Sovereignty is not something you have to do alone. It’s about having people who honor and protect the choices you make, who allow you to feel safe to express your instincts and follow what feels right."
This doesn’t end with birth. Imagine the strength that would ripple through every part of our lives if we felt held, not just as mothers, but in every step we take. Whether it’s navigating motherhood, a new project, or simply moving through our day-to-day, having that gentle support around us can make all the difference.
Inviting in the Support of a Guardian
Chaya shared some beautiful ways that mothers—and all of us—can invite this kind of support and sovereignty into our lives. Here’s what she shared:
Trust Your Body and Intuition
Chaya spoke of the importance of trusting our bodies and instincts, especially when we’re faced with challenges. “Trust in your body is like a quiet confidence,” she said. “It doesn’t mean you know exactly how things will unfold, but that you feel safe enough to respond to each moment.” This trust is something we can build slowly by listening to ourselves and honoring the small messages our bodies send us.
Create a Circle of People Who See Your Strength
Sovereignty thrives in spaces where we are seen and respected, where the people around us trust us as much as we trust ourselves. In her work, Chaya carefully curates each mother’s birth environment, making sure those present are people who see the mother’s strength and hold her intentions as sacred. This extends far beyond birth—it’s an invitation to gather people around us who lift us up and create space for our growth.
Allow Flexibility and Openness
Flexibility, as Chaya explained, is about trusting the flow of your journey without losing yourself in it. This flexibility allows us to meet each experience with openness rather than resistance. “In birth,” she shared, “there’s a dance between structure and surrender. And it’s in that dance that a mother’s true strength shines through.” That same balance of openness and inner steadiness can be a powerful guide in our lives.
Give Yourself Permission to be Held
Sovereignty is sometimes seen as a solo journey, but Chaya’s approach turns that notion on its head. She reminds us that true sovereignty is knowing when to lean back and allow ourselves to be held. It’s about inviting support that holds us close, with respect and care, so we can be free to express ourselves fully.
Carrying This Legacy of Support into Our Lives
Chaya’s insights are a gift, a reminder that we don’t have to navigate our paths alone. The kind of support she offers in birth can be reflected in every area of life—a quiet, grounding presence that allows us to open to our full strength. Imagine feeling supported not just in times of transition but in all the little and big moments of life. Imagine having people around us who hold space for our journeys with respect and reverence, creating a foundation we can lean on.
This legacy of support is something we can each seek and build. It’s about inviting people into our lives who honor us, who recognize our wisdom, and who allow us to be whole. And it’s also about knowing that sometimes, we can let go and simply be held, knowing that we are safe, loved, and fully seen.
So, whether you’re preparing for birth, moving through motherhood, or simply journeying through life, may you find the people and spaces that hold you in your full sovereignty. May you feel free to surrender, trust, and be supported, and may you always know that your strength is seen and honored.
Connect with Chaya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shomrit.momtana/
Listen to the podcast mentioned in this episode: The History Of Obstetrics on the Momtana Podcast
Until next time,
xx Beth
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