Thanks Mom by Beverly Lowther CNM

Funny to think that I never imagined that I would ever be in the medical profession, but my mom influenced my direction by persistently persuading me toward being a “midwife”.  At that time, I knew little of what that word even meant. Since taking my mom’s advice (mothers, never downplay your wisdom and influence on your children), it has been a journey of realizing truly how well this role fits my adventurous personality because literally there is no day that is the same.  

Having a strong desire to serve, I had the opportunity to teach prenatal education classes to women who were low income or in crisis pregnancies prior to my midwifery career. It was during this time, it became very clear to me how influential education and support had on a woman’s experiences and outcomes for pregnancy and birth. I witnessed first-hand the difference between women who invested time to take prenatal education and those who didn’t: in how they labored, how they made choices, and even how they cared for their babies afterwords.  Experiencing this fostered my desire to assist in equipping women to be their own leaders for their health care verses being victims to a system that tends to clump them into a mold of every other women out there.

If you sat in on office visits with me and my clients you would often hear me say “there is no straight forward concrete answers in obstetrics”. There are so many variables that come into play. Of course, there are ways to practice but when it comes to families, pregnancies, and birth experiences each is going to be unique.  That is why midwifery attracted me. It takes the focus off the system and same old routine, and allows for a family centered approach. It takes a listening ear that is tuned into specific needs and desires in order that education can be more relevant and catered to equipping one with the tools necessary to have the most positive powerful experience throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond.

That is why midwifery attracted me. It takes the focus off the system and same old routine, and allows for a family centered approach. 

Although many things are unpredictable and unknown, it is about helping empower them to think about the future and do the things they can to promote their own health experience.  It doesn’t have to be costly or complicated to be influential. For example, where I practice it is routine to take time in one prenatal visit in early 2^nd trimester to review three days of a diet log filled out by the pregnant woman.  We maybe spend 10-15 minutes discussing this together; as a result, taking this time promotes self-awareness for the woman. Also it gives opportunities for discussion on necessary nutrient rich foods that can influence how they feel in pregnancy but impact their child’s health for years to come.

There is not one day that goes by that I am not glad I chose this profession-there is always something new to glean from my interactions.  I truly enjoy getting to be a part of the dynamic processes that come with getting to care for women and their families. Being a part in equipping them to make their own informed choices and being able to witness the transformation that takes effect-- where clueless frighten, uncertain women become confident, educated, and strong. This is beautiful and very rewarding. I look forward to continually being able to partnership in creating a culture of openness, safety and respect for many years to come.  

About the author: Beverly serves as the clinical director of the birth center along with working as a part of the midwife practice at Fairhaven OBGYN. She is a thoughtful, energetic and encouraging person. We are all the better for her presence here at the birth center.