My Midwife
Two years. after I gave birth to my second son. a midwife of my choice monitored my pregnancy.
She came to my house, initially once a month and then more frequently as I got closer to birthing.
She conducted all the tests necessary to ensure that my baby and I were well and progressing as expected. Often my antenatal visits would last for an hour or more. she would not leave until she knew I had discussed any concerns I had and I was happy. She included my first child in the whole process so that by the ninth month, even though he was not yet two, he was very aware of what was happening.
Through my midwife's suggestion my husband and I wrote a detailed birthing plan and then discussed this at length with her, I went into birthing exceptionally prepared and confident that I could birth to the best of my ability without unnecessary intervention.
She was on call 24hrs a day for a number of weeks as we waited for my baby to be born (he was nearly two weeks overdue). In those weeks as we waited, not so patiently, for our babe to be born, my midwife gave me emotional strength and calmed my fears. Once birthing began she monitored my labour and assisted with the birth. she had all the necessary equipment on hand if there happened to be any unexpected complications.
My baby was born healthy, lovingly into my arms, without intervention, in the presence of people I love. It was a beautiful, natural experience, which I got to feel fully as I was drug free. She came to my house everyday following the birth for close to a week. She monitored our progress and helped me to, establish breastfeeding. I couldn't have had this experience without her by my side. I knew her & I trusted her skills and knowledge. She had become a friend as well as my midwife. She gave me confidence and strength in my ability to birth my baby how and where I wanted, She helped make my dream become a reality. She will forever remain dear to my heart for being there for me, my family and my newborn babe.
Jane Cameron 2002