Marge Piercy
Poet, Activist, Writer
Ingrid Andersson’s poems are well crafted and passionate at once.
They are rooted in her family, her work as a midwife, her own motherhood.
Her work reveals an identification with and close observation of birds, mammals
including herself and her clients, flowers, trees, the seasons.
These poems offer both insight and joy.
MOTHER
MIDWIFE
POET
Jordemoder is an age-old Swedish word for midwife. It means earth/land/world mother and reflects Ingrid Andersson's poetry and practice as a midwife, as well as her background as an immigrant farmer's daughter. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in Scandinavian Studies, German literature and anthropology, she worked in countries where access to equitable health care, education, safe and humane environments and food felt more prioritized than in America. Returning to America, she began working as a health care activist and promoting midwifery models of care. As a licensed board-certified nurse midwife, she has caught more than 1000 babies at home.
Twice nominated for a Pushcart Prize and winner of an Editor's Choice Award, Ingrid's poetry has appeared or is forthcoming in About Place Journal, Ars Medica, Eastern Iowa Review, Intima, Literary Mama, Midwest Review, Wisconsin People & Ideas and more. Ingrid is the founder of Mothers' Milk Alliance, Inc. and cofounder of Pregnancy Options Wisconsin: Education, Resources & Support, Inc. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her husband, son, dogs, chickens and bees. Jordemoder: Poems of a Midwife is available through Holy Cow! Press. From Swedish pancakes to vulva-orchids, the "gorgeous" and "gifting" book launch conversation can be found here.
"The dogs and I lift our heads and sniff the air
the way infants catch their first breaths, curling
back their necks and open to being mammal....