Why Would A Midwife Do Midlife Telehealth? Getting Back To The Heart Of Midwifery
After spending some years walking down a career path of dance history and movement analysis, I took an abrupt turn toward women’s health (it’s a long story. . .). What drew me to midwifery initially was that it was just so darned PRACTICAL. There is nothing so basic, so physical, as the act of giving birth (and the act of supporting a woman with anything she needs to accomplish her task). Having come from the dance world, I loved the physicality of all of it as well as the psycho-emotional connection with the family and the privilege and honor of witnessing a miracle. I had the opportunity to attend some home births early in my training, where I experienced just how much more centered a woman and her partner can be in their own space, in their own clothes, and surrounded by their chosen tribe. Women think and act differently in the privacy of their own environment. But even the most powerful of matriarchs can become timid and self-effacing as they step into a hospital or clinic.
When COVID happened we, in the medical field, began to explore what can be accomplished virtually (and what can’t). Although I maintained a mostly “in-person” schedule, I did have the chance to see some patients virtually and there were a few things that surprised me.
After years of facing a computer screen during patient visits (which I always hated), I love having the patient’s face on the screen right in front of me. It sometimes feels like we are closer than when we meet in person.
Especially in the days when we had to mask in the clinic, it was such a relief to see my patient’s entire face on screen during a virtual visit. I had forgotten how much information I get (and need!) from facial expressions.
The hospital or clinic environment is usually not “healing” or relaxing for anyone. For several years my “desk” was a counter in a windowless hallway, and during COVID, I sometimes had to conduct virtual patient visits in a team room filled with other providers, nurses, and medical assistants. Not only are women (patients) more relaxed in their own environment, but I am much more relaxed in my own environment (home office) too. Drinking tea and being surrounded by art and books that inspire me are a grounding way to set the intention for health and healing. I find I ask deeper questions, listen more carefully, and think more creatively.
After years of doing lots of physical things (listening to babies’ heartbeats, performing breast and pelvic exams, doing procedures like paps, placing IUDs, inserting hormonal implants, screening for vaginal infections, and performing ultrasounds), I am returning to the “heart” of midwifery which also includes deep listening, sharing information, offering support, and collaborating on a journey that the woman has chosen, to make whatever transition or transformation she has in mind. And without all the physical things to DO, I have more time to BE a midwife. (“mit wif” means “with woman”). My focus now may be midlife women rather than birthing women, but the heart of midwifery stays the same.
And there she is, my patient, in her own comfortable clothes, hopefully sitting with a cup of tea near a sunny window or finishing her lunch. She won’t be apologizing that she didn’t have time to shower. I never cared, but now she won’t either. We are just women on a journey together.
About The Author
I’m a Certified Nurse-Midwife with a passion for supporting women through all of life’s major transitions — with a focus now on midlife, perimenopause & menopause. I blend down-to-earth women’s wisdom with evidence-based solutions to common concerns. I’m certified by the Menopause Society and trained in integrative and functional medicine so that I can offer a wide range of information, support, and guidance to women during this critical time in their lives.