I read an article last week about birth & postpartum recovery, and the value of midwives in society. The part that most stood out to me stated “The role of the midwife is to be mother to the mother.”

I am so grateful to have had midwives present when my children were born. Melissa was the first midwife I ever met, at orientation when I was just a few weeks pregnant with Kaden, and she provided prenatal care in both of my pregnancies. Marianne and Charlie attended Kaden’s birth and Alia’s. This team of women was so influential in my birth experiences I’m not sure how to even fully express it.

Charlie and Kaden.Charlie and Alia.

Prenatal appointments were fun visits to look forward to, our conversations were warm and comfortable, and ultimately my babies were born safely, with the assistance of women who were friends, and felt more like family.

These women, who have delivered hundreds, or probably thousands of babies, were available to me at all times of day and night, happily taking phone calls for any & all questions, were always so kind to Kaden, came to my home to deliver my baby, helped me shower afterwards, helped me learn to nurse my baby, made my bed for me, came back to our house for our postpartum check up… They were just incredible.

Kaden playing with Melissa. Helping listen to baby sister’s heartbeat. Showing Marianne the pictures of him with her the day he was born.

My entire pregnancies and births felt confident and comfortable because of them. In such a defining, life altering season, I am so happy they were by my side, and that I was able to have the birth experience I hoped for. As our country’s maternity care system changes and grows, I wish that all mothers may be so cared for and loved.