The body is a doorway to awareness, a source of healing to help integrate our inner selves and outer worlds. The pregnant body intensifies this awareness and potential. The model of Transformational Pregnancy leads pregnant women to experience the lessons of their bodies and teaches them how to learn from the shadow or the fear which comes with pregnancy. In this work, Staci examines the history of the midwife and the rise of Western obstetrical medicine, develops the meaning of Transformational Pregnancy through different cultures, myths, and perspectives, and presents this model as a means for cultural change. She offers practical tools - Sitting with, Synchronicity, and The Co-Creative Model - to help pregnant women dance with their shadows and empower their lives.

Master's Thesis, March 1998

Staci Boden is a healer whose practice is centered on spiritual guidance and body knowing. Her work includes writing, energetic body work with individuals and personal process facilitation with groups. For the past five years, she has been an apprentice at Oneisha Healing Tools in Half Moon Bay, CA. Staci is a mother of two. Her thesis grew out of personal experience and a desire to bring spirituality into daily life in a practical and balanced way. She believes that starting with mothers can help bring awareness and healing to the whole family and to the world.