It is 2019’s National Midwifery Week (#NMW2019) and I have spent the last several days looking through some of the most incredible images of midwives walking the journey with birthing families. Reading some of the most empowering, ovary-throbbing and tear-jerking birth stories you could imagine.

Her sweet baby was born in the water, en caul (which means that the amniotic sac was still intact) and together with her husband, they gently and confidently lifted her to the surface, expertly and intuitively removing the caul from her face. Baby Ryan was born into the arms of a family that will accept her for everything that she is and will nurture her as she becomes anything she desires.

Nine female souls and nine male souls took their first breath in my presence this year. The sheer overwhelm of that last sentence just makes my heart explode with joy. This is an honor that I don’t take lightly. One that I hold the utmost respect for. I am forever grateful to you.