The Life of a Midwife: Midwife on the run

The life of a midwife.

I want to serve women. Keep them safe. Empower them. Encourage them. Learn with them and from them. Educate them. Believe in them. Help them to trust their body.

Awaken in the morning and instantly grab your phone from the nightstand to double check that you did not miss a late night phone call, text or email. Instantly, begin to go over in your head, who is past due, in window or not feeling well. Quickly, wake the children, jump in the shower. Should I just wear scrubs today? I have some in the trunk for the just in case. Respond to emails while chugging a cup of coffee. Call out to the hubby “Honey, are you up?” Making sure the kids and the hubby are well on their way. My first appointment with a client is at 8 am, I cannot be late. Pour another cup, a phone call from the client, she’s running a bit late. Ok, now I can breathe for a moment. A quick prayer. Let me be who I am supposed to be and do what I am supposed to do today Lord. Let all the laboring women today have the strength and the determination they need! Amen. In the car, ignoring the sounds of texts and emails. I must stay safe so I can be here to help women and their families. A quick drop off of the littles to their school, a hug and a kiss. I’ll see you after school, UNLESS I’M AT A BIRTH. The words that come after almost anything that involves daily life. Teenagers are calling, they need you too. Ok, finally at the office. Do we have everything we need? A mental checklist of medication in stock. Is the homebirth bag packed? Check. Have all the bills been paid? Check. How do I pay my staff because I am still waiting on checks from the insurance companies? One day, I hope to pay me. The mantra “The sacrifice is worth it, yes. I am called to do this work.” A full day of clinic, pick up the kids, begin making dinner. The call finally comes.”Hi, I’m in labor, can we meet at the birth center?” A peck on the cheek of the husband and the kids. Instructions on how to finish dinner, be sure to finish homework and shower before bed. I’ll be home after mom and baby are back home to sleep.

The life of a midwife.

I want to serve women. Keep them safe. Empower them. Encourage them. Learn with them and from them. Educate them. Believe in them. Help them to trust their body.

– Lucie