Wonder women – In Praise of Midwives

Catherine Péchèr - 26 Apr 19

On the 5th of May it is The International Day of the Midwife.  For the past 10 years I have had the privilege of working with these remarkable women. In the past 3 years I have experienced their care from the other side with the arrival of my own two girls. I have worked in hospitals, GP surgeries and homes and on the way have found some very distinct types of practitioners that I’m sure both midwives and mothers may recognise.

– The Breast-feeding miracle worker. Usually found with one baby on her shoulder while rocking another in a cot on the postnatal ward, she can also take the form of a mind-blowingly capable maternity support worker. Skills include persuading a sleepy, mucous-filled baby to breastfeed while a shattered mum cries with a mixture of hormones and gratitude, sitting with said mum and reassuring her that she is doing a great job and subtly handing out her secret stash of nipple cream to women who will need it more than they know.

– The All Seeing, All Knowing Co-ordinator. This Wonder Woman has the ability to simultaneously look at 10 different monitors, know exactly how dilated every labouring woman is, settle a dispute between a midwife and a junior doctor, drink a cup of tea and crack a joke with the ward clerk all without breaking a sweat. She has worked hard to get where she is and this woman knows her stuff. She will be asked approximately 124 questions during her 12 hour shift and still have the compassion to make sure every member of staff gets their break as she wolfs her sandwiches while keeping on working.

– The Old-School Community Midwife. This lady has not only looked after a woman during all four of her pregnancies but is now caring for her children as they have babies of their own. Her commitment lasts through generations. She has been such an important part of the community for so long that she can park up in the dodgiest area without a worry – her car is recognised and respected, no trouble will be coming her way. Years of experience have taught her all the tricks and hints a woman will need to get through pregnancy and life as a new Mum. More than this though, she doesn’t just tell women about the magic of Savoy cabbage leaves on sore breasts, she also knows the local shop that has it in stock at the best value. These women are my inspiration and my aspiration, one day I hope to have half the knowledge and influence they do.

– The Newly Qualified Workhorse. Working weekends, nights, bank holidays and Christmas, this midwife can be seen in all areas giving care until she can physically give no more. She may be junior but she is so up-to-date she can put the others to shame and her enthusiasm knows no bounds. Wanting to do everything right means she will go above and beyond to make sure the families she looks after get everything they could possibly need. True she may, on occasion, be found crying in the changing room after a particularly bad shift but she is guaranteed to be back 12 hours later ready to give it everything she possible can.

– The Holistic Homebirth Pioneer. There is so much more to labour than simply pushing out a baby and doesn’t this midwife know it. A positive birth experience is paramount for this woman and she sure knows how to deliver it. Armed with essential oils, music, snacks and dim lighting she hopes to make the situation relaxed and at the very least, bearable. The bond she will make with the newly created family is incomparable and she will most likely be back in that home for baby number two. To work on this team tattoos are optional, a natural aura of calm is mandatory.

There are many others –  the unflappable triage girls, the time juggling clinic staff, the early labour heroes . Their work is often hard and seems relentless but they do such a great job and you do it brilliantly, a simple thank you doesn’t begin to cover it.

Catherine Péchèr

I’m a midwife, mum of two and recent expat. I love blogging and writing lists about life, parenthood and everything in between. Some are on here but loads more are at greatmindsmakelists.worspress.com or you can find me on Facebook or Instagram.

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