The Red Tent

In 2002, before I had ever been pregnant, the woman who became my daughter's paternal great-grandmother recommended a book to me as a "must-read." As I am prone to do, I bought this book on sale, put it on my shelf, and assigned it to my ever growing and constantly evolving To Read List. I finally decided to read Anita Diamant's The Red Tent at the start of 2011. I am so hooked on this book right now! I haven't completed it yet, but this is one of those books that even between reading sessions, I keep rehashing the story in my mind, turning it over, thinking "what if?”

I am not going to retell the tale here, but all this time I've had this treasure sitting on my bookshelf, and had no idea that a major theme of the story is the narrator/ main character's journey to becoming a midwife. Interesting that as I begin the book, I am simultaneously feeling drawn to the same path. It is a strange coincidence that soon after I started visualizing myself as a midwife, imagining what that life would be like for me (because it is a life, not just a vocation), I started reading a novel about a girl who grows into a woman and follows her Aunt into the path of midwifery. Strange indeed. 

The Voice

There is a voice inside of you

That whispers all day long,

"I feel this is right for me,

I know that this is wrong."

No teacher, preacher, parent, friend

Or wise man can decide

What's right for you--just listen to

The voice that speaks inside.

— Shel Silverstein

Navelgazing Midwife Blog

http://navelgazingmidwife.squarespace.com/

I'm thrilled that I found this Midwife/ writer's awesome blog this morning! The video she posted today is also available on YouTube and is HILARIOUS. I read a few of her other posts, and her heart shines through the words she uses to explain her perspective. Great articles for doulas, midwives, mamas and daddies. I hope you enjoy it, too!


FEAR LESS
LIVE MORE

Whew!

Last week I wrote about going to a birth that was not ready to happen. One of the midwives stayed with the mama the following night, all three of us stayed the night after that, and then on Saturday I stayed with one of the midwives at the house while the mama's labor came and went. Between the three of us, mama had periodic supervision for 5 days. Nothing on Monday. On Tuesday, around 1pm, she called the midwives and said that she thought she might finally be in active labor. One of them went to check on her, and after arriving called her partner and then me to come back.


I was having my car oil changed and a new tire put on when I got the call. I asked my mechanic as politely as possible how much longer he would be. When I got to the house she had already been pushing for 5 minutes. Now, this is my first time witnessing another labor and birth besides my own. I'll admit I've had a few reservations and anxieties, such as whether I have the stomach to handle the intensity of birth. I do. But I wasn't sure until I had the opportunity to be there, to see her strength and power up close as she brought her baby into the world.


I learned an important lesson at this birth, as I got a glimpse of what it takes to be a midwife: professionalism, strength, wit, and ability to think fast while speaking with a voice like melted butter.

Assisting at a homebirth

I was called to assist at a homebirth with local midwives yesterday. Needless to say I got quite excited about the opportunity to be present. We took our time driving to the mama's house, chatting on the way. The day was bright. When we got there we were greeted by: the mama in early labor, both her parents, two daughters ages 4 and 8-ish, best friend visiting from out of town, four (inside) dogs, and were soon joined by another mama-photographer who was asked to photograph the birth, as well as her 10-month-old daughter. Mixed in with all these wonderful people were the two midwives and myself. Quite a house full!


Once everyone seemed comfortable with one another and settled in, the midwives led a discussion about the mama's labor progression, which had started but seemed to be in early stages. So, she and her best friend danced and moved to "Just Dance" on the Nintendo Wii for about and hour! The best part was when mama would slow her dancing to have a contraction, and her friend would bust some serious moves trying increase her score in the game. Nevertheless, this awesome mama kept winning the game, even with taking short breaks to breathe through her contractions.


After dinner, the midwives decided they would take turns keeping an eye on the mama's labor for the next day or so until she really gets going. So I came home. For now.
Patience being the elusive virtue that when asked for seems to become a test, I am reluctant to ask for help in practicing it. But, I am gladly being present with the soft buzzing sensation I feel as I await the call back. I will keep you posted!


Until then, keep smiling:)