Why I want to be a Homebirth Midwife

Today was a perfect example of why I want to be a homebirth midwife! I love my life as a student midwife and I am so looking forward to when I am a homebirth midwife working on my own. I still have a lot to learn, and each birth teaches me so very much. I don't think I'll ever be done learning about birth! Every family is different, every birth challenges me in new ways, and every baby is unique.

This morning, I got called by my preceptor to get a "heads up" that one of her clients was going into labor. Her membranes had ruptured, but nothing was really happening yet. This was her third baby, and her second one had come very fast, so I was a little anxious about not going to her right away, but as always, my preceptor's decision was spot on.

So, I got myself ready to go. I had my cell phone by my side all day, waiting for her to call me. Finally, about 4pm, I got the call that the client was ready for us to come. I excitedly got myself out the door and on my way to her house.

As we arrived, we heard the sounds of labor that let us know that the baby was coming very soon. We got the supplies ready to go, and did a quick assessment of heart tones and blood pressure, and prepared for a quick birth.

The woman had difficulty finding her strength during pushing, so my preceptor suggested I sit on the bed and have her squat in front of me while she held onto me for support. Perfect position for her! She pushed with such might and made low pushing sounds in her throat. In between pushes, I hugged her and whispered words of encouragement in her ear. I could feel her body melt between contractions. The words and the hugs seemed to really relax her. All the while, my preceptor was helping her control the birth of the baby's head so she wouldn't tear.

The baby was born. A big, beautiful, healthy baby girl! Her mama scooped her up in her arms and snuggled her at her breast. The baby latched on right away, and there she stayed for pretty much the whole time we stayed afterwards.

The mother was so happy with her birth, and she kept praising our efforts to help her. I felt so gratified and so humbled, all at the same time, to have been part of such a sacred moment in this woman's life. Somehow, I knew what to do for her, and it made a difference. What could be more wonderful than to have been part of this? These are the moments I live for as a student midwife! What a beautiful day!