Support. It’s a simple concept, and such a profound gift to experience. Whether it’s a friend listening without judgement when you share your parenting struggles, or your partner bringing a cup of tea when you’re up late working on a project, it feels great to be witnessed and cared for in your endeavors.
As a midwife, doula and psychotherapist, I’ve been honing the craft of providing great support throughout my career. What I’ve learned is that the following characteristics are essential:
Compassion
Compassion is the practice of responding to another person with understanding, kindness, and empathy, no matter what their choices are, or what they are going through. It entails wholeheartedly “being with” them in their struggles, in their power, and in their vulnerability. Compassion is about offering comfort and acceptance, without trying to “fix” or “rescue” the person from their experience.
Attunement
Attunement is the art of deep listening–literally “tuning in.” When we attune to another person, we give them our full attention, responding skillfully to their verbal and nonverbal cues. Attuning to a person in labor allows me to anticipate their needs, providing a kind word or a subtle gesture at just the right moment. I am also honored to witness the attunement between partners that allows the birthing person to feel deeply loved and cared for in a way that she is sure to remember for the rest of her life.
Respect
Respectful support honors the dignity and wisdom inherent in each person. It means caring for others without judgement, and without imposing any personal agenda on their process, choices, or experience. When parents are treated with respect during their pregnancy, birth, and parenting experiences, they are able to thrive, finding what works best for them, and therefore becoming the best parents they can be.
Ann Arbor Birth & Family is committed to providing families with outstanding support in all that we do! Please contact us today to learn more about our services, and how our compassionate, attuned, and respectful support can enhance your pregnancy, birth, and parenting journey.
By therapist, doula, and educator Sierra Hillebrand