We Can Do This: A note for birthworkers

I know this is a troubling time. But birth goes on, as it has through all the years of humanity.

Birth is natural. Birth is normal.

I urge birthworkers to remember what I tell all of my clients about writing “birth plans.” It’s not the actual events, it’s how you want to feel while those events happen. So here we are, with an unexpected change, and we must figure out how we as birthworkers want this to feel.

Fear is normal. Anxiety and worry are normal. But so is hope. So are resilience and humor and peace. Yes, even in the most chaotic times there can be peace.

It’s true we may not be a physical presence at our client’s births. But they are still relying on us for support. We can use the tools we have at our disposal to be there in spirit— in the truest possible meaning of the phrase— and offer our knowledge and advice.

We can meet before labor or virtually to give partners extra practice with comfort measures.

We can send texts to check in and calm nerves.

We can be a listening ear if uncertainty overwhelms.

We can join labors via video or phone, to encourage and be present.

Our work is still necessary, and above all, it is still possible. A change in circumstances, as all birthworkers know, does not make a birth “bad” or “traumatic.” We can still be safeguards against these things.

I also want to urge birthworkers to remember: hospitals, doctors, and nurses are frightened and overworked, with little protective gear to keep themselves safe and still going to work to try and save lives. While birthworkers may have strong feelings about the decisions, protocols, and routines in hospitals please remember that this situation extends beyond birth and touches every single part of our lives.

Compassion, empathy, and flexibility are currently the fuel for the motor that will get us through this.