Being with woman

Sitting still and watching a birthing woman is amazing. It’s not easy – the temptation to be active, to verbally encourage, to be doing something is always there. Seeing a woman gradually go into her own world and draw on her inner strength, focusing only on her partner for support and reassurance during contractions is awe-inspiring. And then when she births her baby, seeing her joy at what she has achieved is magical. I feel that moments when I am at my most invisible in a birthing room are those when I most understand the true meaning of being “with woman”.