A few days ago, I caught a beautiful baby girl. It ended up being a very intimate, quiet birth with just myself, the mother, and the father present. This mother hadn't been quite sure that she was as far along as she was. She was reliving her previous birth which had been very different. She wasn't sure she could trust herself, but I trusted her. I listened to what she said which spoke volumes even in her pithy text messages. I went to her and shortly after I arrived her baby was born.
As I sit watching this mother cuddle her new baby, I think back to a birth a few years ago which took place just a block away from the house I was in now. I caught a beautiful baby girl. She was the first baby I ever caught. I was a student, I was given the chance and the trust to catch this baby. I sat in awe next to the birth tub and watched the beautiful woman labor peacefully in the early morning hours in her tiny little home. Her husband, the midwife, and her friend were all nearby. I had got a chance to know and love this lady. I was so happy to just be there and now I was catching! Her baby was born into the hands of both her husband and mine. She was beautiful and perfect. I did all that I could to give this mother the best care possible. What a good day it was.
This latest mother was so grateful that I had come when I did. Her husband was a little shaky with excitement and said he wouldn't have known to do some of the things I did. I reassured them that they would have been fine and that I believe we are always were we are supposed to be. I knew to come because I was supposed to be there. Nothing more than that. I was grateful that I was there too, not because they wouldn't have been okay without me but because I love what I do and yes, sometimes I do make a difference.
So now, I am a grown-up midwife. I pack up my bags, check mom and baby one last time. Hug and kiss everyone good-bye and drive home slowing down a little as I pass the little house where I first learned to trust women and in return was allowed to hold in my hands what is most precious to them.
A Midwife with a passion for laughing and thinking...
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1 comment:
The timing of you writing this and me reading this today could not have been more perfect. I was informed yesterday that I am "ready" to start catching. After the initial smile and tears I reflected back on the first birth I doula'd at and the first birth I assisted at. These things I will never forget....
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