The first thought that ran through my head when I saw the pregnancy test strip and realized it was positive was, “Oh great, now we can see our midwife again!”
OK maybe that wasn’t entirely true. The first thought was likely closer to “Oh boy, here we go again.” This was followed closely by fond thoughts of our midwife, although maybe right after regrets about that vacation we had planned in the summer and a quick mental calculation of how much another pregnancy was going to eat into our savings account, but anticipating a reunion with our midwife was right up there.
During our first pregnancy, our wife and I experienced both sides of the pregnancy care experience. We were in the care of a midwife for 6 months, but then transferred to an Obstetrician when my wife was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The experience, from a pregnancy care perspective, was at opposite ends of the comfort spectrum.
Our midwife has a spacious office, dimly lit with green plants and soothing music. The obstetrician’s waiting room was standing room only. Our midwife has a comfy couch and a rocking chair and a visit is an unhurried hour on average with plenty of time for questions. The obstetrician bustled in for roughly five minutes of brisk interrogation. Our midwife has a lending library of books related to pregnancy and her office is decorated with original artworks and photographs on the theme of pregnancy. The obstetrician has an eye chart and a poster reminding us of the dangers of smoking.
I’m clearly being unfair for the purposes of comparison and I would like to commend the obstetrician and nurses at the hospital who were compassionate and competent. At the same time I cannot over emphasize the advantages of being in the care of a midwife. I was asked recently by a newly pregnant couple “If you could give just one word of pregnancy advice what would that word be?” To which I replied “In a word: Midwife.”
During active labour our midwife was an inspiring coach, working with the nurses and doctors to ensure a smooth delivery. The bond that we had build with our midwife over the previous nine months was an essential source of comfort, and even humour, helping us stay calm and focused. Most importantly, especially for a first time pregnancy, was the post natal care our midwife provides. Our midwife made three visits to our home, on the first day, the third and the tenth day after returning from the hospital. She gave our little one a full check up and told us what signs were most important to monitor going forward. She gave my wife a breast feeding lesson that transformed the experience from painful frustration to soothing, nourishing, tender Mother and Child bonding. Most importantly, our midwife gave us the courage and confidence to begin our lives as parents!