Ecuador Program
April 17 - 27, 2024
May 13 - 23, 2024
May 27 - June 6, 2024
August 13 - 23, 2024
November 20 - 30, 2024 (full)
Not quite ready to apply or looking to travel in 2025?
Mission & Vision
Our mission in the vibrant land of Cotacachi, Ecuador, is an eleven-day immersive journey designed to bridge the worlds of modern birthworkers with the ancient wisdom of traditional midwives. This program aims not only to foster a deep, cross-cultural exchange of knowledge and practice but also to preserve the sacred ancestral wisdom of traditional midwifery that risks being lost in our rapidly globalizing world.
The heart of our vision is to soak in the profound knowledge of Pachamama and learn directly from the parteras, who are the custodians of extensive wisdom in pregnancy, birth, postpartum care, herbal medicine, rebozo techniques, womb healing, vertical birth, and ceremony. These midwives, possibly the last of their kind, offer a connection to plant medicine, shamanism, ancient divine wisdom, and a treasure trove of experienced hands and hearts. Our presence not only financially supports their invaluable work but also aims to bring a mindful awareness to this endangered art.
This program is specially curated for birth professionals worldwide to learn in solidarity, exploring the beauty of Ecuador, connecting deeply with fellow birthworkers, and enriching our individual doula practices. It is an opportunity to dive into another culture, witness the power of traditional practices, and return home with new insights and tools to support the perinatal process with even greater respect, compassion, and knowledge.
By uniting birthworkers from diverse backgrounds, we embark on a collective journey of discovery—about ourselves, each other, and the universal thread that connects all birthwork. Together, we commit to the preservation of invaluable traditional knowledge and the celebration of birth as a sacred ceremony.
(Please note, this program does not involve hands-on birthwork.)
Join Our Ecuador Journey
How the process works:
Step 1
Submit Application
Begin by applying with a $50+ fee, which supports our scholarship fund, increasing program accessibility.
Step 2
Attend Info Session
After your application, join us for an enlightening webinar. It’s an opportunity for you to fully understand the program, connect with like-minded birthworkers, and express your intentions as well.
Step 3
Deep Dive Questionnaire
A follow-up application will be sent post-webinar to gauge your readiness and ensure your goals align with the heart of this program.
Step 4
Pre-trip Zoom Calls
Once you have been accepted into the program, you will be added to a group WhatsApp group and invited to several group zoom calls with your trip facilitators to connect before you travel.
We welcome a diverse group of birthworkers who share a giving heart, open mind, humility, adaptability, a thirst for learning, and a service-oriented spirit. No hands-on clinical experience is required, making this program accessible to a wider range of birthworkers.
Sample Itinerary
Here is a sample of what our trip could like, this is potentially subject to change due to weather or the twists and turns of travel!
Day 1: Arrival in Quito
Get picked up and brought to Friends Hotel and Rooftop. Settle in and get a good night rest.
Day 4: Exploring Origins
Includes a visit to Cuicocha, engagement with community midwives, and learning about the uses of a rebozo.
Day 7: Herbal Medicine
Gathering medicinal plants, gestational control practices, and honoring pregnant women.
Day 10: Saying Goodbye
Breakfast, a farewell ceremony, and departure to our surprise destination closer to the airport.
Day 2: Explore Quito
Explore Quito, get to know your group, and “swing” into the adventure. We hope you like chocolate.
Day 5: Energy Work
Journey to Agato Yachak, a visit to Otavalo for artisan crafts, sweat in a traditional Temazcal and a Pachamanka dinner.
Day 8: Buzzing About
Visits to an Apiary to learn about bees, free time in Cotacachi, and a cultural night of music and dance.
Day 11: Departure
Soak up the last day and head back to the airport, or to wherever your adventure is going to take you!
Day 3: Travel North
Depart for Cotacachi. Settle into our homes, followed by a welcome ceremony, and pottery making class.
Day 6: Learning and Reflection
Workshops on recognizing one's own womb and postpartum ritual practices.
Day 9: Natural Connection
A trip to Laguna de Mojanda, nettle ceremony, personal introspection time, and communal dinner.