Some weeks I don’t know if it’s a blessing or a curse to be a midwife. 😀 Providing women with the best, evidenced based care is and always has been my goal. Providing it in such a backward obstetrical world (and that includes the U.S.) can be so trying.
As most of you know, I live in China right now. I’m not really working here as a midwife… just a Consulting Midwife and as the Quality Manager for the hospital I am working for. I have, however, taken on a few lovely expat women who have brought me great joy caring for and I am in awe of the strength of both of these women.
I learned, through both of them this week, how powerful it is for WOMEN to give PERMISSION for the care they receive. To RECEIVE the care that they want and to provide them with the best birth possible, regardless of the situation. And most importantly to watch birth… the exact opposite of the desired outcome, become the ultimate outcome and a charged, amazing, empowering experience did my tired midwife heart a lot of good.
Welcome Earthside Baby M and Baby H… and thank you V and K for giving me the best week I’ve had here in China, you both have amazingly gorgeous girls who I look forward to watching grow up… much love to both of you xoxoxo
Ciao!
This is the easy part of my job 🙂
Flamidwyfe's Blog 
I am certain there is a lot of story behind this, but it is a beautiful piece and I thank you for sharing 🙂
Birth is almost always about a story… I feel honored and blessed to be part of every one of them. 🙂
You look so natural holding that beautiful baby. Any mother should be proud to have you there.
Thanks, Mom 🙂 Holding babies is the icing on the cake for me 🙂
Beautiful babe…and midwyfe. Oh that warm cuddly little snuggle…how I loved those days.
*anna
She is gorgeous! Looks just like her brother. I love holding babies in my Mouna Wrap… they love being up close 🙂
Hi there, I am a recently qualified midwife in New Zealand, and am soon to be moving to Chengdu, China with my partner. I am trying to figure out how to go about working as a midwife in china, and have found it difficult to get responses. I am wondering if you have any advice for me? Did you need to do any qualifications in China to enable you to work as a midwife there?
Please get back to me if you are able to. Appreciate your time and am inspired by your experiences.
Thankyou kindly,
Arnika Matchett
Hi Arnika! Congratulations on qualifying as a midwife. It’s an amazing career!
I didn’t have to do anything additional to qualify in China. Although I was never “licensed” to practice there. I had to submit all of my college paperwork to work at the hospital, so make sure you bring copies. I was considered more of an educator than midwife, which was fine with me. As I got to share my knowledge and catch babies 🙂 I’m happy to discuss more with you if other questions come up. My email is flamidwyfe1@aol.com.
Sandi