The baby oh yea the baby

Having taken the Neonatal Resusitaion Class yet again I am reminded of the need to take a pause. Karen is such a good teacher to all of us as homebirth midwives and she really reminds us to remember the baby and the need that both baby and mother have to take a pause in life.
As I have seen post partum moms, you students included, I have watched that moment of birth and the need to integrate what just happened. The baby who is adjusting to outside life is also taking a moment to gather up it's senses to integrate with the world. Together a mother and baby find there way to looking into each other eyes and to tell each other that their journey has been a powerful one. The baby has a story to tell of i't journey through the mothers body and into their arms. What then is our role as midwives at this amazing jucture of life?

We must also pause. Yes we are to be sure the baby is doing well and the mother is too. Yet our role is to stand back, and give the couple and baby the space to share and greet each other. To touch and explore the newness, the softness the perfection. Take a breathe and so will everyone else.

We have begun anew

It is the beginning of autumn and the leaves are changing the world to some amazing colors. Colors that I do love so much. The wind is blowing and the rain is washing all the world of its hard work during spring and summer. Then the earth will rest a season. Midwifery, birth and mothers are like this too. The creation of a tiny human life is like spring. All dressed up and know one can tell yet. Then summer comes and there is time to play with the baby in the belly and to enjoy pregnancy. Then the change of seasons of the wonderful colors bring the change of the life. The baby is born and is full of amazing experiences. The woman must come to her willingness to change and accept the newness of life and the need to scale back and to stay home and to be with her baby. Here baby is asking for the mother to breath and take a pause in her day to sit and marvel at the magnificent being she has welcomed.

As new students have begun the creation of their journey to midwifery they too, you are in a creative time. See that time as moments to reflect on who you are and what life is teaching you. As you meet each new mother who is eagerly anticipating this new life to move and grow within her, be in awe of her excitement and joy. You are growing a new life, "midwife" inside of you. You are nourishing her, loving her and listening to her as she grows. It is a longer gestation than babies. It is a lifetime of learning and listening. Every woman, every baby and every student will teach a midwife something new, only if they are willing to learn. Humility is a main element of a midwife. She must always be willing to learn.

To stay on track with your studies is giving you an increased ability to help women stay on track with their labors. It takes determination even when things are making you question. It takes loving the road and the journey and especially creating it in your mind. Seeing yourself along the path and already finished as well educated, well trained and skilled practitioners.

So as you allow the growth, the change, the beautiful colors emerge may you find joy, excitement and wonderment everyday.