Kai.retu’s Birth Forest
Background
Kai.retu’s Birth Forest is a regenerative response to maternal and neonatal health challenges in Tanzania. With 46% of births occurring outside health facilities (WHO, 2023), this initiative combines traditional knowledge, modern medical practices, and regenerative culture to create a holistic, woman-centered model for maternal and infant care.
Rooted in the Gikūyū concept of kairetu—the youthful maiden embodying the power of mother and crone—the project fosters thriving ecosystems through women’s health, food and seed sovereignty, biophilic architecture, and indigenous learning.
Our Objectives
Women’s Health
Honour the power, beauty, and realities of birth. Blend traditional methods with modern medical knowledge. Transform pregnancy, birth, and postpartum into nourished rites held in community.
Rites of Passage Ceremonies
Celebrate natural life transitions: menarche, motherhood, menopause, rebirth. Restore recognition, connection, and care for milestones often overlooked.
Biophilic Architecture
Superadobe domes, birth pools, stools, slings, and squat bars. Enhance birthing experience through natural materials, sound, light, and water.
Regenerative Food & Medicine Systems
Food & Medicine Forest supports maternal health and community nutrition while preserving biodiversity. Seed Sovereignty protects native seeds for ecosystem resilience. Apiary and livestock support postpartum recovery and soil regeneration.
Regenerative & Indigenous Learning
Workshops in doula care, gentle birth, natural building, and regenerative agriculture. Cross-generational knowledge exchange linking ancient and modern wisdom.
Project Phases
Phase 1 – Land Stewardship (Complete)
Secured 6.2 acres in Mleni village, adjoining Thayu Farm.
Phase 2 – Foundation-Laying & Fundraising (Ongoing)
Establish paperwork, resources, and relationships for a pioneering birth centre. Grow the team, including an advisory council of crones and skilled practitioners. Consolidate partnerships and engage donors for long-term sustainability.
Phase 3 – Infrastructure (2026)
Skeletal: fencing, water, energy, waste systems.
Muscular: first three natural buildings for stewards, caretaker, and guests with superadobe/cob workshops.
Fascial: plant the food and medicine forest around birth spaces.
Partnerships & Collaborations
“Birth is the beginning. The care and environment in which mothers and babies are held sets the baseline for individual and community thriving.”
“Revolution is not a one-time event.” – Audre Lorde
Join Our Journey
Be part of the regeneration — from soil to soul, birth to rebirth. Follow Kai.retu’s Birth Forest as we nurture life and community together.