Testimonials
Testimonials
A Week of Empowerment, Knowledge & Cultural Connection
Dates: June 13–19, 2025 | Location: A.Th. Illidge Road # 60 (Former WIB bank), Sint Maarten
"Giving Birth Back to Women 2025" is a transformative weeklong event dedicated to honouring pregnancy, childbirth, and women’s health through education, community engagement, and ancestral knowledge. Hosted by Foundation Building Bridges Saving Lives (SBBSL), this initiative is presented in collaboration with the Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero (Mexico), Women Health Services, Prominent Women Foundation and Luz de Vida.
Sneak peak...
Images from past activities
What to Expect:
Menstrual Health & Reproductive Care
Rebozo Body Alignment & Traditional Diagnosis
Person -Centered Birth Workshop
Making Herbal Products for the Care of Women and Families
Women's Circle: Selfcare, Somatic Education, and Plenopause
Non-Pharmacological Measures for Pregnancy Discomfort
Comparing Two Different Approaches
At the heart of Giving Birth Back to Women 2025 is the belief that every woman deserves respectful, informed, and individualized care during pregnancy and birth. While consultant-led care plays a crucial role in supporting high-risk pregnancies through medical expertise and advanced interventions, midwifery-led care offers a holistic, person-centered approach that honors the natural process of birth. Rooted in trust, continuity, and empowerment, midwifery care has been shown to reduce unnecessary interventions and increase maternal satisfaction. Together, both models can work in harmony—ensuring that birth remains safe, supported, and centered on the woman.
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
17:00 –19:00 Person-Centered Birth Workshop.
A transformative workshop centered on respectful, humanized birth practices that honor the individual needs, choices, and rights of birthing persons. Learn how to create supportive, empowering birth experiences rooted in dignity and compassion.
10:30 – 13:30 Non-Pharmacological Measures for Pregnancy Discomfort
This session explores natural, non-medicated techniques to ease common pregnancy discomforts, including movement, massage, positioning, and relaxation strategies. Ideal for expectant mothers and birth support partners seeking gentle, effective relief.
16:00 – 19:00 Women’s Circle: Self-care, Somatic Education, and Plenopause
A nurturing space for women to connect, reflect, and explore self-care, body awareness, and the journey through plenopause. Through shared stories and somatic practices, we support wellness and empowered transitions at every stage of life.
17:00 – 20:00 Traditional Diagnosis and Rebozo Body Alignment.
This hands-on workshop introduces participants to the Rebozo, a traditional Mexican shawl used by midwives for body alignment, relaxation, and support throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Learn its cultural significance and practical techniques to enhance maternal comfort and well-being using this time-honored tool.
16:30 –19:30 Menstrual Health Workshop
An educational session exploring the menstrual cycle, body literacy, and holistic menstrual care. Participants will gain knowledge and tools to support menstrual health with dignity and confidence.
10:30 -13:30 Making Herbal Products
A hands-on workshop where participants learn to craft natural, plant-based products that support the health and well-being of women and their families. Explore traditional herbal knowledge and create remedies for everyday care.
10:00 -11:00 Radio Program SOS: Perinatal Education for the Community.
An interactive radio session providing vital perinatal information, empowering expectant families with knowledge for a healthier pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience.
16:00 – 19:00 Reducing Discomfort During Labor: Postural Changes and Biomechanics
Join our workshop to explore how positioning and biomechanics can ease labor pain and improve the birthing process for both mother and baby.
Register Here
Join us for Giving Birth Back to Women in 2025, a powerful week of workshops, wellness, and community.
📍 Limited spots available. Reserve yours now!
Meet the Team Behind Giving Birth Back to Women in 2025
Meet the passionate team organizing Giving Birth Back to Women 2025. Driven by a shared commitment to respectful maternity care, this dynamic group of healthcare professionals, advocates, and community leaders is working together to empower women, raise awareness about birth choices, and promote dignity in childbirth. Their dedication is paving the way for safer, more supportive birthing experiences across Sint Maarten and beyond.
Sandra Gabriela Blanco Casarrubias
Professional Midwife
Rodolfo Nicacio Bonilla Duen
Midwife
Jorge L. Castillo
Medical Doctor
Gesner-Orlando Simon
Professional Midwife (Student)
Ivanca Sterling
Registered Nurse