For the Midwife

Dear Midwife,

The words that come to mind after a challenging pregnancy are that you are my;

Friend First. Midwife Second.

Not something most get the luxury of saying, and likely for good reason.

“I don’t become friends with my patients.”

My midwife tells me years into our relationship and after she assisted in saving my life.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). Gestational Diabetes (GD). Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH).

HG occurs in only 1% of pregnancies. It is listed on the National Organization for Rare Disorders.

Combine that with GD occurring in 7% of pregnancies according to the CDC. Followed by the icing on the cake, a postpartum hemorrhage after a vaginal delivery, and you’ve got quite the combo.

According to the March of Dimes, PPH only occurs 5% of the time and is more common in cesarean birth.

I think it’s safe to say, the odds of all those occurring together in one pregnancy, following two uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries, is pretty darn rare.

So to have a friend, advocate and woman who knows me well enough to rush to my aid when necessary is a rare and powerful thing.

Sincerely,

Your friend first, patient second.

Maggie Rogness