Gratitude

With the approaching holiday season, I like many will stop and reflect on all things happy and for which I have gratitude. Of course, I am grateful for my family, our good health and our home. I am very grateful for my job. Though not for the reasons some would think. Yes, it's nice to have income in a time when so many are struggling to find jobs. My reason for gratitude with my job goes beyond income, it comes from the feeling of satifaction and happiness that moments in my job give me...

One such moment in particular has been a pleasant surprise to me. I became a midwife so that I could be a bigger part of a woman's journey into motherhood. While I enjoy the moment of birth and the awe of the first glimpse of the baby, I have found being a midwife gives me a glimpse into what I feel is an even more amazing moment. Hearing the heartbeat for the first time.

My favorite OB appointment with my patients has become the 10-12 week visit. As a student, I don't think I had these moments as I usually encountered patients mid-way into their pregnancies so that I would be able to attend their births. Now that I have been with my practice for a few months I have had the privilege of return visits from the very beginning.

There is something almost magical about hearing a baby's heartbeat for the first time. The anticipation on the parents' faces speaks volumes as the doppler moves slowly across a still flat belly in hopes of hearing the faint sound of a small heartbeat. When that sound is finally heard, fast and strong, the reactions are amazing. In that brief moment, all is right with the world as parents and midwife alike share a thoughtful silence to better hear the new heartbeat. It's like a moment of hope and peace, for new beginnings. I love the laughter, the smiles, words of praise and the tears of joy. Sometimes I feel intrusive, like I'm stealing a private moment of happiness that isn't mine. Fortunately, my patients don't view it this way and for that I am grateful.

God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving!