In a Nutshell..... Why do I do this?



Last Friday, I rode with the midwife I assist to do our home visit with one of our clients. We typically make a home visit before the birth so we can familiarize ourselves with the route - makes it so much easier than driving cold turkey in the dark- and we get the sense of the layout of the home in terms of the birth. This was a repeat client but she had moved since her last birth. It took a bit of doing to get there and it was a lovely rural type setting. The weather was warm and the sky was clear and blue. She greeted us with her toddler. We chatted and toured her cozy home. Then we did the prenatal appointment- belly check, fetal heart tone check, urine check, blood pressure check- etc. Her little one showed us some of his toys. I admired some of her homemade toys and she showed me how to do the blanket stitch in order to finish the edge of her handmade doll. We lingered a bit and I remembered her last birth. I'm very much looking forward to attending this birth. We hugged goodbye and waved as we slowly drove out of the driveway. I looked out the window as they stood there watching us leave. For me- the next time I see her she will be in the midst of labor, as I'm typically not called until labor is advanced. The midwife precedes me and calls me to assist when she needs me which is usually later in labor. The mama looked so beautiful with her round belly and her precious little one was standing there by her side. It was as it should be. I felt almost moved to tears and I thought " We have the best job in the world!"Every woman deserves this type of prenatal care. We get to know the family. We listen with respect and true interest. The midwife builds a relationship with the mama and the family. When labor begins we attend as invited caregivers. We will be the supporters of the process. The birth will be attended with care and attention. The family unit is respected and supported. The baby will be gently and lovingly welcomed into the arms of his/her mama and in his/her own home. I love home birth. Love it love it love it.Post partum care is equally wonderful. They don't have to go anywhere. We leave them settled in in their own bed. Personal attention. Family support. Breastfeeding support. In addition to the personal visits there is the continual availability for phone consultations. Midwifery does not leave mothers and babies in the lurch. I'm so proud to have a share in this model of care. I wish this type of care for all families.So, there it is..... I love this work. It never grows old. As is the case with this family we build a history with our clients. What a privilege. If only more women availed themselves of this dignifying and respectful model of care. As a nurse part of my role is education. I feel the need to make this model known as an option. I'm using this blog as one way to accomplish that goal.
Posted by Helen at 9:43 PM 0 comments

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Re: [independentchildbirth] Re: Another blog on the Birth Track
Birth Track, a New Way to Monitor Labor
A new device marketed for women in labor called Birth Track. http://www.barnev.com/www.barnev.com/index.html#.


Just wanted to add my 2 cents. Machines, gadgets, instruments, devices, drugs, procedures, surgery............... they have a place. Everything has a place. These are things the medical model offers. Patience, nurturing, trust, support, knowledge, understanding, flexibility, individualized assessments, dignity, experience, expertise in what is normal, recognition of individuality, holistic view, recognition of mother /baby dyad, personal relationship with laboring woman, awareness of limitations, willingess to recognize what is out of practice scope.............. these are some of the things the midwifery model of care offers.
I'm disturbed but certainly not surprised by this new gadget. I understand the intention and I think avoidance of Cesareans is a noble intent. I just differ in my opinion about how to achieve that. I don't think the medical model will ever get it and I wish there were more women who do.
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