Why Pay A Midwife?

By Renee Gianopoulos

Some feel midwifery should be a labor of love.

So do I. 

Please let me explain.

A midwife must take her time to study and gain all the knowledge possible to help you get through the rough times if you have them.

Won’t you want her to be ready?

A midwife must arrange her life around your due date, scheduling all the time you need in case your baby is early or late.  That means planning vacations, family outings (Will my pager reach me?  Should we take two cars?  anniversaries, dinners, celebrations, her children’s special occasions (Will I have to miss it?).

Do you want her to come when you call?

A midwife must struggle with her heart.  She must leave a little one sick at home who is crying because she had to leave, and a teenager with a problem he finally wants to talk about.  She must break away from her husband’s arms to answer a ringing phone.

Does she need to leave right now?

A midwife will leave all of that behind and walk through your door and treat you as though you and your baby are the only thing that matters at that time, and you will be.  She will care for you and lift your new child to your breast.  She will be your sister and your friend.

What can you do in return?