Birth Anew. My Journey to Midwifery

When I dare to be powerful—to use my strength in the service of my vision—then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid,"-Audre Lorde

I’b be lying if I said I wasn’t afraid. This journey has not been easy and because I know midwifery ( I didn’t jump in blind , a doula for 6 years, a Birth Assistant for 1 before I fell in), I didn’t think it would be but this semester has been tough, like kicking my @ss tough. The classes, the work load, the load of being a mother, homeschooling, illness , the financial burden ,starting a new business , the behind the scenes fights I haven’t shared just yet. I will when I share the full story.

Last week I was sitting in my room thinking about that song, originally by the Norwood sisters, my grandparents used to play gospel music on long trips or Sunday mornings. Same song I remember hearing at my aunt Rebbecas house in SC. Dorothy Norwood Singers - I Can't Give Up Now ( Mary Mary remade it). Listen I poured my heart out to my poor husband about how I can’t do this anymore and I need a break. And you know what happened. I turned on the TV, a show that had no mention of Midwifery popped on Dead Ringer, two midwives opening a birth center. We looked at each other laughed and instantly a dialogue between the characters , tapped me on my shoulder like Kiya listen up , then I turned that off because no ! I don’t want to hear it. Nope , let me waddle in this self pity for at least another hour. Then turn to something else; Clock and again Birth, Fertility and Pregnancy! I threw my hands up and said “I hear you, I’m listening “.

Then this. This!!

I’ve been invited every year multiple times a year to Birth Center in Africa. Same midwife invited me to a breech birth , same midwife always has my back, showed up to the grand opening of my buy, gives her ear and advice. I can say throughout this journey I’ve been lucky to have a few good Mentors. I’ve known Rachel before I wanted to be a midwife so our foundation isn’t just midwifery, it was TQ. Monday Rachel Zaslow told me I was going to Uganda. I was still in my self pity venting about school when she said “we are getting you to Uganda “. Wednesday my flight was booked, !!! In June I’m going to Uganda to learn beside traditional Midwives at Motherhood International Birth Center , Ot Nywal Me Kuc (House of Birth and Peace).

I’m excited, afraid and grateful. I’m going to Africa. Do you hear me? To learn Midwifery , if this isn’t a sign I’m not sure what it. Sankofa, Sankofa Sankofa.

This journey has been a journey and probably will continue to be one until my feet hit the dirt of the Motherland.

But one thing is for certain , I have never been alone. Throughout this journey I’ve had the love and the support of my community, midwives, students, friends, family.

Year two has beating me up, but is truly redeeming itself. And I’m here for the ride.

I’ll be needing things for the trip and for the village, support and share if you can