A dear colleague of mine is starting on the path of becoming a midwife. Last night, some midwife-sisters gathered to wish her well and share encouragement. I quickly jotted down some words; through my sleep and today, they have expanded into a poem for new midwives and I share it here with her but also with all folks who are starting on this road. This poem is not just for new midwives, but really any birth workers who are new to the path.

Births will be glorious.
Births will be ferocious.

Babies will be welcomed through joy, laughter, gratitude and prayer.
Babies will be welcomed through weeping, sorrow, heartbreak and prayer.

Families will be wondrous.
Families will be tumultuous.

There will be unfathomable beauty. 
There will also be blood, urine, amniotic fluid, mucous, poop, sweat and tears.

Being ‘with woman’ is all engrossing; it requires tenacity, intellect, passion and grace.
Be mindful and feed your soul as well, do not become consumed.

Being ‘with woman’ is all rewarding; it will give you peace, community, strength and pride.
Be humble and remain rooted, do not become boastful.

Remember that you are not alone.
There is a history of ancestral knowledge behind you.
There is a circle of support around you in the now.
There is a place for you at the table in the future…and the view is glorious!

Image credit Monet Nicole