One of the first questions asked when I share that I am in midwifery school is what pathway did I chose and why. Now, for those who live, eat, breath maternal health, or health care in general, this is an obvious question, but I think for a lot of folks, this is not even a questions that would cross their minds. A midwife, is a midwife, is a midwife, right? I mean I’ve been surrounded by amazing midwives my entire adult life and I didn’t learn that there were differences in midwifery training until AFTER the birth of my oldest.
Check out the Evidence Based Birth podcast on the Evidence of Midwives. In this episode Dr. Rebecca Dekker discusses the different types of midwives, the history of midwifery care (and how it was nearly eliminated in the U.S.) and the research on the better health outcomes that are seen when families are randomly assigned to receive midwifery-led care. She also talks about the effects of racism and mistreatment in obstetric care, and how midwives — especially midwives of color— are a critical solution to the maternal mortality crisis in the U.S.
As for me I specifically and intentionally chose the Certified Professional Midwife pathway. I wanted to learn in a space that felt like the communities I serve and since my day job is advocating for and often fighting against systemic barriers; I knew I needed my training to be centered in community midwifery, rooted in traditions of care and focused on autonomy and accountability to clients.
Not only could I feel this in my heart, but as I was explored my options I learned a bit more about my own family’s history that. All my life I grew up hearing about my cousin’s birth – it was the birth story that was formative in my father’s life growing up. Once I shared with my parents that I had decided to embark on my midwifery journey he shared so much more. My parents are childhood sweethearts who grew in rural North Carolina. Turns out my dad and most of his siblings were delivered at the hands of a midwife. My cousin, well her birth was the talk of the town – literally! My dad had just came home from school to learn his aunt was in labor. He’d never heard someone “carrying on so much.” My grandma told him to hop back on his bike, ride down the [one room] school house and get Ms. X (I don’t know her name). See Ms. X wasn’t only his grade school teacher, she was the community midwife. Once he brought Ms. X back he was told to stand outside the house incase anyone needed anything. He heard the whole labor. Turns out my cousin was breech and mama had some pretty intense back labor. No wonder it was so memorable! My dad was around enough birth growing up that he knew exactly when my milk came in.
I also know I needed flexibility. I’m the mom of teens and tweens who still (even though they may not always think so) need me. I’m keenly aware of my parents aging and what that might mean for how I can support them. I love my husband and I know he’s got my back, but being a midwife is a lifestyle and we’re doing this together. I also love my day job – advocacy work, but it can be very demanding. I fully embrace and recognize this space where I am in life and understood the flexibility required of me to embark on this path.
I had no idea I’d end up here, but I’m also certain my path is not by accident.
Leave a Reply