The Symbolic Cycle

This symbol with its myriad of meanings was born through the inspiration of six midwives whose practice embodies homebirth in Darwin.

Bougainvillea, the flower with the strong colours is symbolic of the tropical Top End of Australia.

The three petals in the shape of a heart symbolise mother, baby and midwife.

The three collective heart shaped petals are symbolic of the womb with the baby inside.

Each singular heart shape may also be seen as the womb with the baby inside.

The central triangle is an ancient symbol of womanhood and with the three fimbriated spiral swirls symbolises motherhood. The meaning of this ancient symbol can be pictured as the uterus and the ovaries.

The whole symbolic cycle represents the placenta with its different lobes, nurturing the growing baby within. The placenta is the life bond between the mother and her baby.

By Anja Benjamin, Midwife