"The Art of Midwifery Is Being Lost": Yelena Kolodji, LM, CNM

In this moving episode, midwife Shannon Staloch sits down with Yelena Kolodji—an elder midwife whose roots in California midwifery stretch back to the early 1970s. From her humble beginnings on a Minnesota dairy farm to catching over 1,600 babies, Yelena shares a vivid, powerful reflection on what it means to truly be with woman. This conversation touches on the soul of midwifery, the loss of trust in birth, the dangers of over-medicalization, and the quiet wisdom that arises from decades of hands-on experience. She reminds us that to hold space is an art form—and one we must fight to preserve.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Yelena’s origin story—from Minnesota farm life to catching her first glimpse of birth in 1971
• Sneaking into hospital births dressed as a nurse and witnessing a solo breech delivery by an intern
• Her apprenticeship with June and becoming a CNM while continuing home birth practice
• What was in her birth kit then (and now)—including herbs, homeopathics, and a simple trust in birth
• The shift from intuitive, soul-based care to technology-dominated practice
• Why birth stories matter, even (and especially) when they’re painful
• How our culture’s disregard for elders mirrors our treatment of birth
• Her critique of modern midwifery education and the lack of home birth exposure
• Reflections on the systemic rise of fear-based obstetrics and 40% C-section rates
• The emotional, psychological, and spiritual impact of birth on babies, mothers, and families
• Why the preservation of oral storytelling and hands-on wisdom is essential for future midwives
• The decline of home birth training in CNM education

Special thanks to:

Shannon Staloch for conducting this intimate conversation, and Yelena Kolodji for opening her home, her story, and her heart.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• UCSF Midwifery Program
• Yunnan Baiyao for postpartum bleeding
• Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a mineral-rich, deeply nourishing herb traditionally used by midwives to support pregnant and postpartum mothers. High in vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as calcium, magnesium, and iron, alfalfa has long been valued for building and replenishing the blood, especially in the third trimester to help prepare for birth and prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Its high vitamin K content is particularly significant in promoting healthy blood clotting. Midwives also use alfalfa to support milk production and overall vitality in the postpartum period. Typically taken as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form, alfalfa is one of the gentle green allies that helps fortify the birthing body from the inside out.
• The legacy of Ashley Montagu and the concept of uterine envy in book, The Natural Superiority of Women

Thank you to all the elders, donations and volunteers that have made this project possible.

Together, we can preserve the wisdom of elder midwives for generations to come. Give today and be part of this legacy.…please visit bridgemidwives.com for more information on how to donate.

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