Do you have a Sister Circle?

A "Sister Circle,"  is a  never ending extension of sharing love, hope, dreams, and fears. It is a familiar term in different cultural groups for over 150 years representing a group of women with similar interests in relationships, religion, social clubs, or work environment. The sister circle is quintessential for addressing women's health concerns. In the Company of My Sisters by Julia Boyd, the author explains "sister circle address the issue of Black women and Self-esteem and other aspects of their lives including physical and mental health" [Neal- Barnett, et al. Clin Psychol (New York) 2011 Sep; 18(3) 266-273.]

The circle encompasses other females who have gone through similar

struggles and willingness to share that experience to help another woman have a positive outcome of life. Sharing similar struggles and/or stories can lead to decreased anxiety using relaxing technique, spiritual- or folk songs, mindfulness with no judgement. It is a spherical warm safe space that can transcend a woman's current struggles. Do you have a Sister Circle? It can be a great experience if you plan to give birth soon. I recently had the pleasure of joining in the experience for the birth of a baby boy this past Summer, both Mom and child had a strong birthing floor and support team (e.g. family, aunts, grandmother, birth doulas, and physician).