I am a community midwife and lactation consultant. In addition to childbirth preparation courses in family centers or online, I also offer massages for pregnant women, reboza, and infant massages. My work is also my passion. I adore babies and I always learn something new from them (whether they are still in the womb or already born). I specialize in prenatal communication and bonding. I spend my free time mainly with my children, I like to read books, listen to music, blog and manage my Instagram account.
What is the most powerful experience for you in the whole profession?
The strongest experiences were from my student days. Actually, there were more emotional and difficult ones that I remember. Unpublishable ones... Of the nice ones, I especially remember the birth of a young girl. I stayed with her, even though my internship was over, and I waited for her to give birth. I held her hand and encouraged her. She kissed my hand after giving birth. That's when I understood that my place is especially in supporting mothers..
Basically, I still experience many similar moments, I process each powerful story within me for several days. I am grateful for my job, and for the fact that mothers choose me on their journey.
Is there something that expectant mothers regularly do wrong before giving birth that you would like to point out?
Apparently, mainly due to the pressure of the environment, the future mother has a head full of what she should have prepared, bought, equipped for the baby. She forgets about the most important preparation of herself for childbirth and the postpartum period, proper lifestyle. We forget to use intuition (we even unconsciously suppress it), listen to our own body and perceive our unborn baby.
The fact that we will meet the expectations and demands of other people will cause their own satisfaction, not us or the baby directly. Exactly opposite. The pressure of our society is very strong, not only before childbirth, but also very intensively after it. What if I fail? What if I'm doing something wrong?
What else would you recommend expectant mothers not to underestimate before giving birth?
In particular, preparation for the already mentioned postpartum period, the six weeks. Basics of breastfeeding, baby care (changing diapers, bathing, skin care). Unfortunately, they no longer have as much time in the hospital as every mother would need for education.
How many births have you assisted?
As part of the practice, we should have performed dozens of births and hundreds of assists. But I don't remember the exact numbers anymore. I never hesitated if there was an opportunity to stand up for the birth, take it away, or assist. The first birth I saw, I immediately assisted the obstetrician. I was simply thrown into the water... Since it was the first birth in my life (I hadn't even seen it on video before), it was a very powerful experience.
Have you had a negative experience with a patient in your profession?
But yes, even though I'm a fairly non-confrontational type and I think I know how to communicate even with people who others have trouble getting along with... However, there were a few cases when I had to count to 10 and bite my tongue. I don't like judging, judging by nationality, social status, religion. I simply cannot stand intolerance, both at work and in everyday life.
When did you decide to become a midwife and what did you study?
When I graduated from high school, I decided to follow this path. I considered two professions - midwife and neonatal nurse. But I think I made the best decision. This is how I approach pregnant women and babies during my work practically from the very beginning. I supplemented my education with various courses, specializations and trainings, but there is still much to learn in my profession...
Jana, midwife, family and community specialist