by Linda V. Walsh, CNM, MPH


He who uttered the words, "Routine Delivery"
Or hastily wrote "Normal Spontaneous Delivery"
as one further procedure in a busy day
Couldn't have been with her.

He couldn't have been
Or he would have felt her muscles as they
worked,
strained,
pushed
that infant into the world.

He couldn't have been
Or he would have truly felt her perspiration weep from her body as she
reached for the strength deep within.

No, he couldn't have really been with her.

If he were, he would have appreciated her expression as it changed from
excitement, to concentration, to fear, and to excitement and peace.

He couldn't have held her,
Whispering
"You're almost there"
"You're doing so beautifully"
"You are so strong"

Routine Delivery.

He couldn't have been there
He couldn't have taken the time
to pause in awe and wonder
as that little head came slowly, ever so slowly,
and the eyes opened and looked out with such trust and wisdom.

Procedure - normal spontaneous delivery.

He couldn't have marveled as she reached down,
drawing her baby to her breast
Laughing, shouting, crying- all the emotions of birth.
No, he couldn't have been with her.

For she who has been with woman knows there is no routine birth,
and that delivery is not a procedure.

Being with woman is opening up,
sharing, loving, caring.

Being with woman is truly being a midwife.