Today on Birth: The Middle Way we are joined by the beautiful Alessandra Isola who wanted to come on and share the story of her daughter’s birth.
Initially Alessandra reached out saying that she had an “unmedicated physiological hospital birth wasn’t just positive; it was ceremonial, a deeply respected and uninterrupted experience” and of course we were excited to hear her story.
On this dynamic episode we explore the nuances of what “disturbing a birth space” can look like, when it’s necessary and how it can be harmful.
The way we, as women… as mothers, share our stories changes, shifts, and evolves as we do over time. Deeper understandings and integration opens up our storytelling ability into something far beyond a woman’s first telling of an event, like a birth.
As I, Emma, write this now I reflect on the way I first shared the story of my son’s birth and death — how it has changed overtime as I’ve gained more awareness about the experience and myself.
In this conversation we see, in real time, the evolving perspective of Alessandra’s birth. The shift from the beginning of the episode into an altered perception at the end.
Here, we engage with curiosity with a desire to learn and explore the many layers of what birth can present.
It was a deep honour to have Alessandra join us for this eye-opening chat — our hearts spilling over with gratitude.
In reverence,
Emma Cardinal & Sami Love
Because Fly Medicine was so prevalent to this episode — here are some potential meanings:
1. Transformation & Adaptability
* Personal transformation through uncomfortable or “dirty” experiences.
* Adaptability in the face of adversity.
* Moving quickly through phases of life or emotional states.
2. Shadow Work & the Unseen
* The shadow self — the parts of us we often reject or repress.
* A call to explore the hidden or ignored aspects of life.
* Death and rebirth, especially in shamanic or mystic traditions.
3. Disruption & Annoyance
* A nagging problem or unresolved issue.
* Something in your life that’s being ignored or needs attention.
* A message to wake up or shift your focus.
4. Messengers of the Spirit World
* Flies are seen as messengers between worlds — especially in times of transition or grief.
* They may appear during spiritual awakening, signaling a need for cleansing or purification.
5. Ego and Worldliness
* The fly is sometimes tied to Beelzebub, “Lord of the Flies,” representing corruption, pride, and the fall of the ego.
* Spiritually, this can point to being too attached to material or base desires.
