Doulas vs. Midwives

In my reading this season, I have found much reference to midwifery, the help of one to another during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Midwifes are RN's and provide a medical presence for the one giving birth. Another term that has floated around these days is doula, a caregiver who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a woman before, during and shortly after childbirth. The doula does not necessarily have medical training but rather offers spiritual presence and emotional support to the one giving birth.

With the help of Night Visions, a devotional guide for pilgrims awaiting the birth of hope written by Jan Richardson, I have journeyed through this season of Advent and now Christmas guided, supported and informed by Jan who as she says has never "known the contractions of labor, but knows something of the effort of birthing, the ragged struggle to bring to light what lies hidden in our fertile darkness."

This gorgeous amaryllis was birthed in my home with me as its doula. It took no "medical" knowledge on my part, but I supported it with light and a bit of water, rotating it regularly so the light would surround it as needed. I love this analogy to the birth of hope, peace, and trust...or whatever it is that was longing to be born in us this season. Who has been your doula? How have they led you to the light, turned you around so you saw the truth, nurtured you so your basic needs were met and given you the emotional and spiritual support you needed for the final push? And for whom have you offered that holy service?

I hope you will find looking at this beautiful flower a gift as I did...noticing the glory of God's Creation, the beauty and perfection all of which blossomed as a result of being part of that glorious Creation. We too can blossom and be gift just because God loves us!