I think there are a lot of preconceived misconceptions out there about midwives and their style of medical care. In my experience, a midwife is like the mother mentor you’ve always wanted. Or more specifically, in my case, I’ve had that in other relationships and it’s had a huge impact on my life. I knew, I just knew, when I was younger that I’d only work with midwives and that I’d have home births.

I had a beautiful relationship with the midwife who birthed my daughter Heidi. We both lived in a small town, much like Mayberry, and I walked to all my appointments. She had a lovely little cottage on her property where I even had my ultrasounds. She laid the foundation for me to understand how my body worked and why and how to confidently do birth.

Due to insurance, I had to switch to a different midwifery practice that utilizes a Certified Nurse Midwife for home births, and that’s how I discovered Kelly at Blue Ridge Home Birth. I briefly explained my situation on the phone when I was 17 weeks pregnant with Gatlin: “I’ve waited as long as I can wait to find a care provider for this pregnancy. I’m scared, my husband and I don’t agree, this is my third in three years, we lost our first to SIDS, our second was born at 31 weeks. Can you meet with us?” And miraculously, graciously she said: “I’d love to meet with you. How soon are you and your husband available?”

We divulged all to her, even through tears, and she agreed to work with us. We collaborated and decided that we would tag team with an OB in order to further evaluate my health and the health of the baby. We had frequent ultrasounds and we created a birth team of friends and professionals who would assist us so that my husband didn’t have to be heavily involved in the birth event.

As a result of Kelly’s expertise, medical standard, and empathetic care we became dear friends and she’s a precious mentor to me. She walked me through some of the darkest days of my life; my third pregnancy was grueling, and she was my cheerleader and my friend and my counselor and my caretaker. THAT is the value of a midwife.

And the other day she invited me to have lunch with her. What medical care provider does that?? A midwife, that’s who. Get yourself one of these if you love relationships and feel safer in intimacy and transparency.

If you have questions about midwifery care in general or about my particular experiences, shoot me a message and ask away! I’d love to hear from you and I’d love to share what you want to hear ✨

-BBM

In the hands of the potter,