Midwifery Model of Care by Birth Photographer
This is an account of the Midwifery Model of Care through the eyes of a birth photographer/doula.
I was at a birth recently. There was a birth photographer attending, to document. I have worked with professional photographers at birth before and I am very welcoming of their presence; it is so important for people to see awesome images of birth!
Great birth photographers are clear of their role and professional in a way that makes them invisible, allowing the process to take place without distractions. This photographer was also a doula so she got birth, what an awesome combo!
Some hours after we had all parted ways leaving mum and the rest of the family snuggled up with the newest addition, I received this message from the photographer:
“Hi Red! Nice meeting you last night. What a joy and privilege for me to be part of this beautiful birth. Was my first time to witness a midwife at work for home-births. Truly amazing! Your work is needed by so many around the world. You are a blessing.
It was a real trip for me to witness. It’s very different from all the home-births that I’ve attended and shot. Undisturbed is the word. That brings “willing to wait” to a whole new level for me. It’s beautiful Red! So need to sleep but just can’t haha. Have a good rest and more blessed births ahead. Hope to see you next time xoxo”
It made me realize she had previously experienced a different model of care: the medical model. I loved that her experience of midwifery had left her too jazzed to sleep.
I have many wishes and dreams and one of them is that very young women get to experience the raw power of birth like this young woman had.
Undisturbed, woman led, pure power.
I have no doubt the impact of this would ripple out, creating positive change in all aspects of all cultures.
The world needs more midwives and more followers of the midwifery model of care.
If you’d like to read more about access to midwifery care this is a great article from Birth Monopoly.
Our helpful and free membership area gives you access to many birth photos!
