The Amazing Melding of Midwivery and Medicine

Several weeks ago I caught six babies in a row in which mom used no medications, no interventions-they “went natural.”  I was amazed at each and every one of these amazing, strong women.  Over the past 24 hours I have been amazed by three more amazing women.

“Jenny” was one of the first moms that I saw for every one of her prenatal visits-from first to last!  Jenny was pregnant with her second baby. With Jenny’s first baby she labored for some time before having a c-section.  Many times during her pregnancy we discussed her options to attempt a vaginal delivery or schedule a repeat c-section, this was a difficult decision for her.  In the end, Jenny decided to wait and see if she went into labor on her own.  As her due date approached without contractions the thought of a scheduled c-section was becoming more desirable.  The experience of laboring for such a long time only to end up with a c-section was quite traumatic for Jenny-and an experience she didn’t want to repeat.  The day before her due date her cervix was still closed, long and firm so after much discussion,  we scheduled a c-section for the next day.  I assisted the doctor with the c-section and Jenny had one of the most beautiful baby girls I have ever seen!  I was again amazed at a strong woman who educated herself on her birth options and made a decision that worked best for her! 

“Maria” is a woman I had only met one time early in her pregnancy.  She had met my “partner in crime,” Susan, several times during her pregnancy but when complications developed her care was transferred to the physicians so she could get the level of care that she and her baby needed.  Maria’s complications worsened and it became necessary to induce her labor.  After many hours of labor and quite some time of pushing as well as an attempted vacuum assisted delivery it was determined by her physician that the safest route of delivery would be a c-section.  I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time and had the honor of assisting with the birth of Maria’s baby girl.  As soon as I saw her I was convinced the reason she wouldn’t come out was a very scientific diagnosis that I refer to as “cheek dystocia.” This sweet little girl had the chubbiest cheeks I have EVER seen.  What a cute, sweet little (big!) thing!!  What a strong woman to endure the treatments that were necessary to treat the complications of her pregnancy, to try so hard to push her baby out and then to be so brave in undergoing surgery to bring her baby into the world in the safest way possible.

“Tina” is a woman that began her care with a physician but I was so lucky to “inherit” her when her physician retired from OB practice.  Tina is such a sweetheart.  She is always smiling and I always look forward to seeing her.  When it came time for Tina to have her baby, the little princess had plans of her own.  Apparently, when it was time for her to make her grand entrance, she wasn’t quite ready. Her mama worked so hard to urge her out into the world.  She worked at it and worked at it and worked at it.  I was amazed at the strength this woman had after hours and hours of pushing she still kept at it.  Finally, there came a time when her drive and determination began to outlast her physical strength. This little princess was SO close but just needed a little extra help coming out.  I called one of my physician colleagues (at 4 am no less!) who, without complaint, came in to help us out!  With just a little assistance from a modern medical device, this woman was able to dig deep inside herself and find that last little bit of strength that she didn’t even know she had to push the guest of honor out to the party!  Tina said over and over that she felt like a “wimp.”  Wow! She was the farthest thing from a “wimp!” She pushed for over three hours-her strength and endurance is amazing!!!! 

So, women of the world, whether you “go natural” or utilize modern medicine in some form or another-you are amazing!!!  I am so grateful everyday to have the great honor to work with such amazing women!!!!!