12-30-24 S. Tenuta
The midwife observations at birth vary. Midwives come to birth as empty as they can. They come with no preconceived notions as to how the birth will occur. They remember their past experiences, but know every birth is different. Each birth has its own story to tell. Each baby has a journey to make. Each mother has a job to do as she invites baby to earthside. No birth is exactly the same.
As a trained professional, the midwife carries lots of tools in her memory and muscles. She recognizes cephalic, breech, fetal heart tones, movements of baby and positions. The midwife has the necessary tools that have equipped her to help when necessary. In most cases, birth and baby just happen. Yes, there are sounds and transitions, and movement and resting. These are part of the process. If the midwife had time to get to know the birthing parents, then she too knows the type of education the parents were able to receive in preparation for the birth. Confidence in mother and mother’s confidence in her birth workers creates a safe haven for birth to occur.
The midwife observes. She can see with her eyes. She can feel baby or palpate mother’s belly. The midwife pretty much knows where baby is in the journey by the touch and the signs given on mom’s body or her cues. The midwife can also sense what is happening. She can have an energetic sense whether things are going smoothly or not. She checks in with mother to see if mother is in tune with her baby. She may ask, “ How is baby? And How are you?” “Are there any indications of things not going well?” Both need to be alert and curious.
Sometimes, there is a thought that comes to someone on the birth space. That thought could be very important and could be a message from baby. I knew a midwife who had a dream prior to the birth, that alerted her to a possible need for resuscitation. She actually did need to have that ready due to baby’s needs. Sometimes, the thought may be an inspiration for mother to move to a certain position. Sometimes, mother just needs to feel how her body wants to move during the labor process. This is intuitive knowing. It is important information to observe.
Also, hearing mother’s sounds, moans or silent grunts, give indication as to where mother is in the process and whether baby is ok. The midwife needs to continuously observe. At the same time, the midwife wants her mommies to independently recognize her internal wisdom in regards to birthing. When women have seen births, that seems to be easier for a new mommy to participate than if the mother has not observed natural and uninterrupted physiologic birth.
Taste is altered during this process. Mother does not generally want much to eat or drink. However, it is very important for mother to stay well nourished and hydrated. Sometimes a spoonful of peanut butter or honey do the trick to help mother’s energy level to remain constant or to get a boost. The protein and natural sugars help the cells, those in particular that are working the uterus, and those that will need to repair where the placenta detaches. The midwife too, needs to remain nourished so she can think clearly and be ready for any surprises.
Observation at birth by the midwife is necessary, is expected, and is comforting for the mother who called her to be a part of her baby’s birth journey. Observation facilitates knowing when mother needs suggestions, knowing when intervention is needed, knowing when to call 911 and then again to just be present. Remembering what happened or taking notes helps a mother to reflect on this special experience. Seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, and smells, along with intuitive knowing are all part of the midwife’s observations. The midwife observations at birth imprint reality.
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