My Midwives My Heroes

  I have four children. For two of my births I have had midwives deliver my babies. The first time I had a midwife was for my third child. I had a hospital birth. During the birth my baby got stuck for multiple reasons and she had to be delivered by a doctor and then I had to be taken in for emergency surgery an hour after I had had my sweet baby girl. This whole experience could have been quite traumatic...however with my midwife by my side I was okay. She stayed by my side even through the surgery she got permission to stay with me. I felt like she was a guardian angel and she stayed with me through my recovery process and became a dear friend to me. She changed my life in many ways.

  The next time I gave birth this midwife who had delivered my daughter was on maternity leave. She agreed to still attend my birth (bringing her sweet baby and wearing him for much of my labor while still being a complete support to me) and be my doula. However once she got to the birth she ended up being the second attending midwife as I had my fourth baby at home. The midwife who had followed me through my pregnancy was a rock for me. She felt so confident I could deliver safely at home even with my rather dodgy delivery history. She gave me such peace of mind (even though I had been highly recommended a C Section by others) and she delivered my nine pound baby (my biggest baby by far) perfectly. It seemed like a miracle and really it was.  The above picture is Cheryl filling out paperwork while everything in readiness for the birth is layed out on our dining room table that we had moved into the living room!
 

  Something I will never forget about giving birth at home with these two specific midwives with me is how loved and supported I felt. I had never in my life felt so cared for and so upheld. They did everything they could to give me choices and help me feel safe and calm, and there was just something about being at home that filled me with peace. The whole experience was a redemption experience for me in such a big way.  I am so grateful for these woman and the gifts they continually give by sharing their hearts and lives with women  in our community the way they do.

                                       This is Bethany bathing me in prayer and peace.

          They are getting ready to deliver the baby and the joy I see in Cheryl's face is so beautiful.

                          And here he is safe and sound ~ you can see the celebration and joy in all of us. 

  I wish I could properly express what that day did for my soul. I will never forget how loved and cared for I felt. There is something about being in your most painful and vulnerable state and being completely loved and given to selflessly that never leaves your heart. It has filled a part of my soul with eternal sunshine that nothing can take away. Today I wanted to remember how I felt; I wanted to  look at the pictures and just take a moment to reflect.

  Thank you Bethany and Cheryl for being so loving and caring to me and to all the woman you serve. Thank you for the sacrifices you make daily to support and nurture woman as they embark on such life changing journeys. Thank you for bringing hope and peace to our hearts in our most vulnerable moments. Thank you to every kind and giving midwife out there.  My baby is two and a half years old and he is a constant reminder of one of the best days of my life. xo