The Being Midwife
She understood her craft, her confidence inspired
Calmly waiting near my side, as the birth transpired
And though I had fears, brought about from tales of old
She showed no trace of doubt, like a goddess strong and bold
For she’d got to know me over time, she’d got to know my way
And she could tell how far I’d gone from what I did convey
She didn’t have to make small talk or ask about my aim
Coz she already knew my plan, our philosophies were the same
She checked my baby’s heartbeat, to see it was alright
And if all was well, I decided we would just sit tight
But she didn’t look inside me, so as not to spoil my flow
The measurements mean so little, we didn’t need to know
I’d created my own space and my midwife left me to it.
Her quiet confidence gave me belief that I could do it.
And I’m grateful for that trust that my midwife showed in me
For the time she allowed, so birth could happen naturally
No-one even said a word, during contractions all was quiet
A cloak of trust enwrapped the place,
Allowing full concentration, this was my space,
Relaxing, breathing, my birth attendants sheathing me from believing each surge was bigger than myself.
I was doing everything I needed to, heeding the wisdom of our ancestral mothers; those mothers who got us here
With a midwife who showed no fear.
So I’m grateful for the trust that my midwife showed in me
And the time she allowed so birth could happen naturally
For I think the mental states of the people at your side
Are an influential force when your aims are unified
Kati Edwards
Kati Edwards is a Doula, KGHypnobirthing Teacher, Speaker and Spoken Word Artist based in Ramsbottom and is passionate about helping women prepare for a positive birth experience.
The birth of her 2nd child, featured on BBC1’s; Childbirth All Or Nothing, a landmark documentary for childbirth education and a truly seminal piece of reporting.
A spoken word artist, Kati has created a set of poignant birth poetry, which she has brought to life in collaboration with artist Stephanie Green in a series of 7 gorgeous posters available in A4 or A3. They make ideal gifts for very special midwives and doulas take a look at the posters here.
Kati has performed at major midwifery conferences in the UK and internationally including Women’s Right’s in Childbirth, Oslo, Norway, the MAMA Conference, Scotland, The Women’s Voices Conference held at The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London and the Doula UK Conference, London.