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client not only exchange information about the pregnancy, but spend a tremendous amount of time getting to know one another. It is this process of building friendship and trust that becomes the pivotal element when the birth actually occurs.
Ms. Watson explained that during this time they get to know their clients, not just their blood pressure or how much weight they’ve gained, but what is going on in their lives. “The time we spend together, which is usually about two hours every visit, builds the trust that will be so important when the time comes,” she explained.
"It you get to that spot, say right before the baby is born, when things get tough, if the woman feels safe and trusts you, she is able to do exactly what you tell her,” she added. “It makes all the difference.”
Rappahannock resident Evelyn Oyster agrees. Five months pregnant with her sixth child, Mrs. Oyster, who has had two hospital births, the first a ceasarean, delivered her fifth child with Ms. Hughes and plans to deliver her sixth as well.
"I prefer midwifery because in hospitals there is a huge fear factor,” said Mrs. Oyster. “At home, it is peaceful and there is a safe feeling that cannot be duplicated in a hospital.”
"Martha knows me and my family, she knows the stresses I might be under at certain times that might affect me physically. I know she cares about me," she said.
Mrs. Oyster also maintains that by following Ms. Hughes’ regimen, she has avoided the toxemia'she was plagued with during her third pregnancy. “Both of my pregnancies with Martha have been the healthiest I have ever had and the happiest," she said.
A homebirth involves, not only the mother and the midwife, but the entire family. The father is encouraged to be there and many times catches the baby when it is born.
Both Ms. Hughes and Ms. Watson are convinced that home delivery with a competent midwife is safer than a hospital delivery. “In the Netherlands, two thirds of all babies are born at home with midwives,” said Ms. Hughes, “and they have the third lowest infant mortality rate in the world.”
“We rely on traditional tools such as storytelling, nourishment, our hands, water and intuition,” she explained. “Patience, time and non-intervention are the midwives most valuable tools.”
“Some people have said to me that for me to use a midwife is not very smart,” said Mrs. Oyster. “I have had a C-section, toxemia and I am over 35.”
“But,” she continued, “it is my choice. I trust Martha and God and I want the natural way.”
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