With Woman, a Midwife on the Path

This blog is an attempt to chronicle my journey as a midwife. I started blogging in my first year of practice, back in 2010. After that first year, I decided to keep on going. It is my goal for this to be a place of support and encouragemant for others on this path. Whenever I relay birth stories, please, keep in mind that all names and identifying details have been altered. I hope you can enjoy these experiences and that they may be beneficial to your learning.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Tools of My Trade #10

The Birth Stool
We actually have several birth stools at our center, this one just happens to be my favorite. It is pretty low to the ground, so really helps to approximate a squat position. There are handles on the underside so a woman can really get into the work. It is hand crafted and made of a beautiful warm wood. Underneath it we place a small mattress pad, some towels and a round mirror. Depending on the light in the room (some mama's prefer it dimly lit and others want it a bit brighter), we may use a little flashlight as well. The stool can be placed almost anywhere...in the bathroom, in the hallway, most often we are in one of the birth rooms.