Author: Camille Williams

Stories About Circumcision: When one parent has religious reasons to do it, and the other has philosophical reasons not to.

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This is the third installation in a series about circumcision. Click here to read the introductory post about my perspective and experience on this topic as a midwife and mother.

Now grab a cup of tea, or whatever you like, and settle in with this interview with the mother of a 10-year-old son. It was a rich discussion that brought up a lot of interesting points about the challenges of bicultural marriage, the mind-body connection, memory and trauma, and unresolved inner conflicts.

Tracy (names changed for privacy) is an American educator from a self-described “hippie family.” She married Lamine, a Muslim man from Mali, Africa (now amicably divorced). Islam is one of the two major religions that has male circumcision as one of its tenets (the other, of course, is Judaism). They had a son together. Lamine wanted him circumcised, Tracy didn’t. Here’s what happened: Continue reading →

Bernie Sanders May Be Our Last Chance In This Lifetime to Begin Restoring Our Democracy

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I wrote this essay for The Huffington Post about why we urgently need a president like Bernie Sanders. Click on the following link:

Bernie Sanders May Be Our Last Chance In This Lifetime to Begin Restoring Our Democracy, The Huffington Post, April 27, 2016

© Camille Williams and Wake Up, Mama! 2016

Top 11 Sexual Health Resources: Myth-Busting, Entertaining Information on Sexuality for Women

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Ladies! Raise your hand if you’re totally satisfied with your sex life.

I can’t see you, but I know that’s way too few hands going up.

Now, raise your hand if you see yourself as a beautiful sexual being who is fully deserving of an amazing sex life. If you’re not there yet, are you willing to take steps toward that becoming reality for you?

One thing I’ve learned since I started practicing as a midwife—far too many women are unhappy with their sex lives. Continue reading →

Are Women Free to Make Noise in Labor on Maternity Wards?

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One of my blog posts from last year was published in The Huffington Post today. It’s one of my favorites, about women feeling free to use their voices in labor and birth.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/camille-williams/are-womens-birth-sounds-s_b_9678662.html

© Camille Williams and Wake Up, Mama! 2016

Personal Revelations: Thoughts on Privacy and Shame, Strength and Vulnerability

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So I guess it’s official now. I’m no longer a “private person.” In my first ever post here, I talked about how I shocked the hell out of myself by wanting to start a blog, having been amazed at the personal stuff other people were willing to share on theirs. I used to think, “Wow, I could never do that.”

I think I’ve learned why “never say never” earned its status as a cliché.

This week, I had an article published in Huffington Post about a very personal topic, my decision to give up alcohol. I thought about speaking up for the better part of a year, hesitating mostly because of the stigma often attached to issues concerning addiction. I sought advice and considered the possible ramifications from every angle. I examined my motives and reasons ad nauseam. I deliberated for so long that by the time it was published, the fear was gone. I was past ready. Continue reading →

My Struggle With Alcohol: Why I Said Goodbye

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Photo credit: George Doyle

Writing publicly about this part of my life was a big decision. I thought about it for the better part of a year. Even after all that deliberating, in the end it was a leap of faith, just like starting this blog a year ago. My hope is that my story finds the right people at the right time and helps them. Thank you to the Huffington Post for publishing it.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/camille-williams/my-struggle-with-alcohol-why-i-said-goodbye_b_9548494.html

© Camille Williams and Wake Up, Mama! 2016

Bernie Sanders and the Divine Feminine: Why So Many Feminists Are Feeling the Bern

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I wrote this article for Elephant Journal. I love this publication and I’m so happy to be part of it, especially on a topic I feel so passionate about!

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2016/03/bernie-sanders-the-divine-feminine-why-so-many-feminists-are-feeling-the-bern/

Self Care is Lifeblood, Not Luxury

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Self care is not a luxury. It took a while, but I finally get it. It’s a necessity, like food and water and breathing.

I’m a midwife and a homeschooling mom of two boys. It’s a life I love, and it takes a lot of juice to keep it up and running. More still to keep it flowing and vibrant.

I no longer expect to be able to pull the energy and peaceful frame of mind I need—for myself and my family—out of thin air. It has to be consciously generated. I’m learning how often, in what ways, and for how long I need to make time for self care and renewal. Continue reading →

Women on the Left: Let’s Not Fight Over Who’s a Real Feminist

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By now, most people have heard about the generational debates on feminism and gender heating up on the left after the weekend’s comments from Madeline Albright and Gloria Steinem. Rather than trying to scold and shame young women into coming over to the Clinton camp, it appears they would have been better off sticking with other ways to support their candidate. Their approach has won no converts and has likely served to further alienate women leaning toward Sanders.

First came Albright’s “special place in hell” comment, which she and Hillary Clinton have downplayed in response to the widespread outrage that ensued. In fact, Clinton basically said that anyone who is offended is being hypersensitive. (Hmmm, I wonder how many women reading this are accustomed to hearing that one in response to legitimate concerns. Lots more than the men, I’ll bet.) Continue reading →

My Dormant Inner Political Activist Wakes Up

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In my last post, I talked about the anger and occasional despair I’ve been feeling about recent national and world events. I’ve determined that it’s time to stop handwringing and take whatever direct actions I can. Posting articles on Facebook, signing petitions, and sending a small donation here and there are no longer enough for me.

A few weeks ago, after a particularly tough week in the news, I knew I had to do something concrete and active or I would scream or puke or both. Continue reading →