First…a bit of a disclaimer (from Sarah O). The midwife in me is coming out in this post and I will give you a warning that I am going to use a few body words. So consider yourself warned… :)
Yesterday I spent the whole day seeing newly pregnant ladies with Beth, doing physicals on each of them. Beth is a wonderful learner and soaks up information so as we did each visit, I threw in a few learning points about different things we saw. With one woman, Beth noticed that her cervix (the part if the uterus that dilates to let a baby through at birth) looked different than the others we had seen – the transformation zone was showing, which often happens in pregnant woman.
The transformation zone is the part of the cervix where the cells are changing…transforming…from one type of textured cell to a flatter cell. Pregnant women and teenagers tend to have this part of the cervix visible. The thing that is important about the transformation zone is that this spot where change is happening is a place that is extremely vulnerable to infection.
Change creates vulnerability.
Isn’t that the truth – it is when change happens that we are most vulnerable. Difficult changes like loss and exciting changes of growth put us in the same place of vulnerability.
Today we talked to 30 pregnant mamas about labor and preparation for the great changes that will happen for them. We reminded them that the midwives here will be with them and help them know what to do in labor. They will not be alone.
Tonight we have one of the teen moms visiting us. Her sister is very ill and took a turn for the worse this evening. As she wept and D prayed for her, we are grateful that she is not alone in this place of vulnerability. And as she cried, her little boy sat on the couch completely unaware bubbling with laughter. Sadness and joy – both in the same room.
For the darkness of hoping
In a world which longs for you,
For the wrestling and laboring of all creation
For wholeness and justice and freedom,
We praise you O God:
For the darkness and the light
Are both alike to you.
-Janet Morely
Oh, I am so happy that these Haitian women have you to show them love and acceptance. I am SO happy that Beth has you to learn so much valuable information. Your gifts are priceless. Thanks for sharing them each ALL of us. Love you and miss you. Happy New Year to my 2 favorite Sarah's!!
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