The Joys and Struggles

I am so addicted to birth. So addicted to the hope, the joy, the love surrounding a new baby. I live for that phone call in the middle of the night announcing a laboring mommy. Adrenalin has become my trusted companion. I crave the experience of welcoming new life. This is me, this is who I am becoming: a midwife...


My free time is consumed with conquering a growing stack of books by my couch. All I can think about, talk about, is birth.  A lifetime is not enough to consume and integrate into my head the knowledge that builds a great midwife. Pregnancy and birth are so simple, and yet so complex. Sometimes I feel utterly overwhelmed at the mountain of learning ahead of me. I grapple with how my brain can possibly hold the information in a sustainable fashion. Despite the addiction and love of birth, this midwife journey is no joke! Staying up on academics is tough and the schedule can be grueling...I'm finding that becoming a great midwife requires a teachable spirit, the insatiable desire for knowledge, and the perseverance to never give up. I have started this journey. Taken the first few steps toward the ultimate goal. Every birth I attend, I am reminded why I spend hours studying.  Midwifery is all about love. The love for providing gentle, compassionate care for mothers in pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. I am called to midwifery because this love consumes me. 


In the past thirteen days six little people have started their lives on earth. Some births were struggles, and yet each one was a victory. For me, these past couple weeks have been full of adventure. I have laughed, struggled, and amidst it all - caught my first baby solo!! It was so incredible and so rewarding....

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Welcome to the World....

Hudson James 6.3.11
AnneMarie 6.8.11
Samantha Penny 6.9.11
Maeve Rosalie 9.16.11


also....
Madelyn Criddle (birth center transport born 6.5.11 via c-section)
Noah Dean  who went to be with Jesus 6.5.11