I'm starting this blog today as I listen to a story about VBAC on NPR in the background. I've wanted to do this for a really long time. I want to write about all my ups and downs as a midwife.
This has been a particularly up and down day. It started out at 3:00 am this morning with one of my clients who I've been expecting to call any day. She told me she was in labor and I got up and got ready to go. I arrived at her home at 3:50 am and she was in strong labor when I arrived. I called my assisitant, Camellia to come asap. She had a beautiful baby on the birth stool at 4:50 am. Just had time to get things set up and ready before the baby came. A wonderful birth with a wonderful family and precious baby girl.
Stayed at her home until about 11am (rested between 9-10). All was well there. Went next to see a client who lives on a boat in Galveston Bay. Another beautiful family that just had their 3rd baby. They were both tired- the baby kept them up most of the night, but still very happy with their newborn son. Did the baby's newborn screen and weighed him and checked for jaundice. All well there, so went on down the road. Stopped at Neptune's Subs in Seabrook- one of my favorite places to eat. Told the owner they have 2 new baby residents in the area. They were all happy.
Got to my office/ birth center about 2pm. Tired but happy about a fulfilling days work. Got into my e-mail and found out I have a hearing scheduled to defend my license next Tuesday, August 28th. This is when I decided to start a blog. I need somewhere to let my clients and friends know what is happening with me and my legal situations and how difficult this is to cope with. I don't want to whine and moan. I want to tell my side of the story. All my life when I have been in difficult situations, my best therapy has been to write about it, so that is what I am going to do here. Will post more about my case soon.
Jackie
About Me
- Jgriggs
- I'm 52 years old and I've had a wonderful life. Been married to the same great guy for 36 years. A lot of ups and downs, but we still love each other a lot. I've got 5 sons, ages 17, 19, 22, 25 and 35. Love them all very much. Sad that there is only one left at home. I've been a midwife for 20 years and a nurse for 30 years. Being a midwife has brought me a lot of happiness over the years. Have many friends and clients that I love as sisters. I feel like I am a wise and safe midwife and have a lot of good experience. I love my life. I believe in keeping myself healthy and happy and practicing what I preach.
10 comments:
Dear Jackie, I am SO happy to see you have *finally* started your blog. I think it is an excellent way of keeping us posted, and as you tally all the "hits" on your site you'll be reminded how respected and loved you are! I'd write more but I need to write my letter for you. I'll be thinking of you on Tuesday. Let's hope they make the right decision. love Karoline
Jackie,
Thank you so much for the blog information, I will be following it closely. You are in my thoughts and prayers, if there is anything I can do, please let me know. My husband and I are looking forward to being with you at our next birth!
Sheila
Dear Jackie,
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know what I can do to help. I am so blessed to have met you and for you to have attended my daughter's birth. You were incredibly calm and competent, you also facilitated MY ideal birth, with my other children and my mom in attendance. I would recommend you to anyone and everyone.
Thank you,
Nicole Clayton Caver
Jackie,
I am so glad you started this blog. Your entry brought tears to my eyes because I envy and admire with my whole heart the work that you do. Two of the greatest memories of my life are the birth of Leo and Ruben with your assistance. Rex and I will do everything we can to fight so that other families can experience the same joys that we have. Much love, Leslie Ramirez
Jackie...what to say about legal issues? A pain, for one. I will most definitely speak on your behalf and write a letter and will do that after this post. You are in my prayers and I certainly hope that the right decision is made and that you keep on going as you are. It would be a real shame and such a dis-service to lose a midwife like you, even if it's for a short time. I know there are other qualified, competent midwives out there but when you start with one and get familiar with her, it's just not right for them to take that care away from the mom. Your record stands well, and I hope they take in consideration all the risks that can and do occur in hospitals with doctors when all those "interventions" are done. For me, it's clear, I have had 6 children and the one that I had the most trouble with and almost lost and almost had a c-section due to all those interventions was the one I had in the hospital with a doctor and it all was un-neccesary and didn't have to go that way, my 5 others with a midwife went well and as birth should be. So, I am praying for the best and hope the turnout is good. I cannot lose my midwife now.
Much love...Kim
Jackie,
I dotn know if I have the rights words but Im going to pray the right prayer for you during these times. I spoke to my family this weekend and we are all praying for you. Even the original "naysayers" of our birth choice. We are reminded of you, "our birth angel" every day we go into our peaceful bathroom where you cheered me on while bringing my precious little boy into this world. We call this spot his source of power and sit there and read books all the time! I hope you havent left for Austin yet so you can include my letter that explains how your touch and expertise helped me through an amazing natural birth. Keep your head high and you eyes higher...just like he says in the book..."this too shall pass". We love you! Kip, Jenn Gavin and of course George Carter
Jackie,
I read my e-mails a little late and as soon as I read the one from you I imediately wrote a letter.I am so sorry you are having to go through this mess. It is just not right. This is just another way to control a mother's right of choise of having her child in natural childbirth. You stand strong knowing that their are alot of people praying for you. I am so blessed to have met you and all the wonderful people at the birth center. With lots of respect and love. Sonja Sikes-Whitworth
Jackie,
I read my e-mails a little late and as soon as I read the one from you I imediately wrote a letter.I am so sorry you are having to go through this mess. It is just not right. This is just another way to control a mother's right of choise of having her child in natural childbirth. You stand strong knowing that their are alot of people praying for you. I am so blessed to have met you and all the wonderful people at the birth center. With lots of respect and love. Sonja Sikes-Whitworth
Jackie,
I read my e-mails a little late and as soon as I read the one from you I imediately wrote a letter.I am so sorry you are having to go through this mess. It is just not right. This is just another way to control a mother's right of choise of having her child in natural childbirth. You stand strong knowing that their are alot of people praying for you. I am so blessed to have met you and all the wonderful people at the birth center. With lots of respect and love. Sonja Sikes-Whitworth
Jackie,
I am finding it hard to sleep tonight, as I am sure you are, too. I feel this connection that all the mothers who admire you are really praying for you tonight. I wish more than anything that I could be there tomorrow for you in person. I most certainly will be thinking about you every hour tomorrow. I love you and all the hope you have given me during my pregnancy and birth. Know you have given such strength to so many women. I wish we could all tell our stories in person. You are an amazing woman.
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