15/08/2020
Hire a midwife who has the skills to “fix” situations without drama and trauma.
Not too long ago a client’s husband asked me what I thought it meant to be a competent midwife. It’s a great question! So good! (Love partners and their great questions, you guys!)
This mantra that the midwife I trained under said often came to my mind instantly when he asked the question.
What is a competent midwife to me? Someone who is skilled enough and confident enough in those skills that they know when they can sit on their hands because everything is going beautifully, but knows when it’s time to step in and “fix” things.
So, what does it mean to fix something? Depends on the situation. Sometimes it’s a dietary or supplement recommendation. Maybe a consult with a dr is in order to collaborate with. In labor, maybe baby needs a little help moving a shoulder or a suggestion for mom to move position to help baby dance their way down is needed. Every so often, it’s the wisdom to say labor at the hospital is wiser than at home.
Fixing a situation can look like a lot of things. But a competent midwife is going to be able to confidently and calmly make the suggestion and do things to direct the situation in a way that saves space for and supports the family.
It’s what we trained for as care providers. It’s what we do as midwives.
No drama.
No trauma.
Just simply using our expertise and skills to walk alongside families.
Find yourself a midwife who is so confident in their knowledge, skills, and resources that their competence shows without saying and is ever working on building those skills.
And keep asking those questions!!! Personally, I love them!
