Moms with Dreams

This is a re-print of a blog post from Erica Gordon’s  Moms With Dreams podcast and blog.

“A so-called good birth or a so-called bad birth isn’t about the mode of delivery – it’s about the experience the mother had and whether or not she was passive or empowered.”
~Selina Boily

Inspired by the birth of her children – one at the hospital and one at home – Selina Boily pursued her midwifery career at the Seattle Midwifery School. She graduated in 1999 and registered with the College of Midwives of British Columbia in 2000. Selina and her family moved to the Cowichan Valley and started the Cowichan Midwifery Group in 2001. She has over 20 years of experience as a midwife and a lifetime of passion for supporting mothers.

Selina shares her thoughts on motherhood, the birthing process, and life as a mompreneur.

Selina’s Philosophy and Her Why

Aware of the impact that birthing has on women and driven by her birthing experience, Selina is passionate about supporting mothers through the birthing process. Selina believes that giving birth is a woman’s “primary relationship” and “the first time that she falls in love and learns to trust her environment.” By supporting women through this miraculous process, she feels that she’s contributing to a better world for future generations.

Birthing Allows You to Write Your Own Story

Selina believes that giving birth is about being able to write your own story. She teaches women how to recognize that giving birth isn’t something that just happens to them, but that they are actively participating in their birthing story.

Selina’s Advice for Expectant Mothers

Pregnant women need to have many conversations with their health care providers. It’s important that they have a connection where they feel safe being vulnerable and sharing their feelings. Expectant mothers should be empowered to make choices about the care they receive during their pregnancy and the birth of their babies.

Selina’s Take on the Idea of a Good Birth and a Bad Birth

A so-called good birth or a so-called bad birth isn’t about the mode of delivery. It’s more about the experience the mother had and whether or not she was passive or empowered. It’s about if she could understand and participate in her birthing.

About The Matraea Centre

The Matraea Centre was a 10-year goal. It began as a dream that Selina and her co-founder, Kate Coyote, had to create a multidisciplinary health center that would become a community for birthing families.

Today the Matraea Centre is a central hub for alternative health and wellness services for women and families. The core mission of Matraea is to provide women with access to useful information, products, and services so they can make great choices for their babies, their birth, and their families. Some of the services offered include naturopathic medicine, massage therapy, acupuncture, pre-natal education, and yoga. There is also an online store with a line of pre- and post-natal certified, organic teas and cosmetics.

Selina’s Biggest Challenge as a Mom Pursuing her Dream

Selina’s biggest challenge has been finding personal balance while juggling all of the moving parts of being an entrepreneur and a mother. At the same time, she discovered that being a mother brought her to balance. The bond she has with her children reminds her to stop and do other things that are as meaningful to her as her business is.

Let Go of Cultural Ideology of Motherhood

Selina encourages women to let go of what they have been culturally programmed to think as mothers and choose to live their lives the best way for themselves and their families.

Selina’s Suggested Reading

The Green Mama Book, by Manda Gillespie

This book will help you make healthier choices for you and your family.

Selina’s Projects

Selina has partnered with Plan Canada and the Because I’m A Girl campaign to support young girls around the world. She is collaborating with Manda Gillespie, founder of The Green Mama, to offer products that empower and support mothers.

Selina’s Parting Words of Wisdom

Find what it is that you love and throw yourself into that. Let it be your inspiration, and let it pull you through. Be creative with what you love and let things follow that.