Midwife

Maria Joynt

Midwife Liv turned to me and said: 'Have you considered becoming a midwife? I think you should.'

I had just witnessed my good friend give birth to her child. It was one of the most intense and powerful experiences I had ever had. My friend had planned her home birth well in advance, and I was privileged to be asked to be there.

The midwife’s words burned inside me like a big 'Yes, I want to become a midwife,' but it would take quite a few years before I made it happen and started nursing school, followed by midwifery studies.

While studying nursing, I had two children, and inspired by my friend, I planned to give birth at home both times. The first was born at home on land, and the second at the ABC unit at Ullevål, in water, since my midwife was at a midwifery congress on the day the baby decided to arrive and couldn’t be there.

After being a midwife for almost 12 years, I’ve attended quite a few midwifery congresses myself. Midwifery never ceases to fascinate me. I’ve always had a special interest in the physiological birth process, both as a birthing woman and as a professional. It was truly special to be a midwife myself and give birth to my third child at home, celebrating the birth day surrounded by close family and two wonderful midwife colleagues as my helpers.

I first started my midwifery career at Ahus, working in the labor ward, postpartum, the midwife-led unit Fødetun A, the observation unit for pregnant women, and the maternity hotel. I was also the union representative for the Norwegian Midwife Association for a few years.

In 2019, I got a permanent position at ABC, a place where I had worked extra shifts for many years because they focused exclusively on physiological birth processes and had midwives with vast expertise in the field.

When ABC was closed, Min Fødsel was born, and I can now call myself a home birth midwife, just like midwife Liv, the one who ignited the spark in me to want to become a midwife with her question: 'Have you considered becoming a midwife?'

When I’m not practicing midwifery, I try to be a good partner and mother. I also practice being present in the here and now, as I encourage the pregnant women I support to do before birth. I’ve found it to be good advice for both birth and life.