Holding up Walls or Tuning in and Assessing

A cornerstone of Midwifery care, is knowing when to do something and when not. We spend a lot of time talking, counseling and preparing clients about birth. So when the much awaited day arrives, clients and families feel ready and able to meet the challenges of labor with confidence. 

You may glance over and think, wow she doesn't seem to be "doing" much. In reality we are watching, counting breaths, waiting for intensity, listening for familiar sounds that can indicate what stage of labor a woman may be in. Is the temp in the room adequate, is the water level to her liking, or has she emptied her bladder recently? We are processing and taking all of this information in as we, "sit there".  

The next time you see your Midwife "sitting at the labor, or holding up the walls, just know that there is never a moment we are not tuned in to.