10/25/2023
Hands off VS hands on midwifery care
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Finding the balance between these two was at the forefront of my mind from the beginning of my midwifery apprenticeship.
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The standardization/medicalization/sterilizing/pasteurizing/mainstreaming/professionalization of midwives has led to a more hands on based approach. So much so that many women have come to fear a stereotyped Midwife for being fearful, hands-on and, mettlesome. I get calls from women like this all the time who deeply want a hands off Midwife. But what’s does this even mean ?!?!?
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It’s a little different for everyone, but to me, this is what it’s about. It’s about knowing when to be hands off and when to be hands on. It’s about having practiced the skills of being hands on so well that your are in fact capable of doing so when needed. But not being overzealous in doing all the hands on skills just because you can and are afraid and are comforted by the illusion of control. Beings hands on doesn’t mean I don’t trust birth. It means I know normal, and even when I am patient and respectful of the significant array of normal and unusual I also know and respect that not everything is always normal, and being hands off can be a deep dis service.
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And I get it. In a world where obstetrical violence, conveyor belt births, and unnecessary/overuse/misuse of interventions is the norm People have become very wary of hands-on providers. But the problem is not the hands. Just like the problem isn’t necessarily the interventions. But more so the overuse and misuse of interventions & hands.
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so I have committed my hands to not be on or off, but to be hands of peace. Whatever my hands do, or don’t do, it’s always rooted in love, presence, reverence for the unique circumstances before me, and of the woman and baby before me. My hand are phenomenal multi talented tools I give thanks for. And I pray to always use them wisely.
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And there’s still so much more to say about that so I’ll get going on a podcast episode.
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I wanna hear from you ! What’s your experience as a provider or momma with the dance of hands on and hands off ?
