The Scalpel and the Silver Bear: The First Navajo Woman Surgeon Combines Western Medicine and Traditional Healing

One of Lori’s central arguments in the book is that we should live our lives with balance and harmony. Lori becomes pregnant, and towards the end of her pregnancy, she began experiencing pelvic pain and high blood pressure. Doctors diagnosed Lori with pregnancy-induced hypertension. Navajo nurses and doctors warned Lori that she could not allow negativity to enter her mind during pregnancy because it would go into the baby. Stress was also a concern because that could lead to premature birth. However, stress and negative situations were part of being a surgeon. While Lori was trying to deal with these health issues, a mother abandoned her newborn at the hospital, which left Lori upset and angry. Lori felt like she was out of sync with herself and the world around her. She was fearful how this could impact her pregnancy. Her doctor was already noting that they might have to induce Lori early if her blood pressure did not decrease. This situation was not how Lori envisioned the birthing experience since she wanted a traditional Navajo-style birth. Lori decided to visit a hataałii to see if they could correct her feelings of imbalance.