Gratitude Cup run over…

I was recently reminded of days from LONG AGO…

I used to be a Doula. Yep, a Birth & Postpartum Doula. I also used to be a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor for Carlton County Public Health. That was when I was ‘knee-deep in Birthwork’. I LOVED that period of my life.

Working with women & families. I was in my element. I could tell so many wonderful stories of watching women become Mothers right before my eyes, Partners crying with joy, being the first to tell Grandparents about their new member of the family. I built relationships with Nurses, Doctors, and Midwives. I also built some lasting friendships that I still have today.

I've been pulled ‘out of retirement’ 3 times! I missed many special occasions, even my 40th Birthday. It was all worth it. If I did my role right, the family I worked with would be clueless about how many fires I put out or how I advocated for them behind the scenes. 

Every once and awhile I run into a previous client while at the grocery store, the theatre, or restaurant. My eyes always light up and I’m INSTANTLY brought back…like I go through a Time Machine…I pick up on special memories that I only share with a few people. My heart literally feels like it is going to burst!

No matter how old I am-no matter how old those babes that I witnessed coming into this world…they will forever have a hold of me. They captured a piece of me that is theirs. And the mamas? OH MY GOODNESS! They carry me on my really difficult days. I’ll just pull up an experience with a really strong mama and Glenn from that. Like I suck out the strength of that moment to carry me. And the Partners? I saw them weep and be at their most vulnerable. 

It amazes me how memories live in my body. I wish I could explain how that feels. All I know is when I had to retire…it was a VERY difficult decision. I miss it so much! (Well…not the ‘being-on-call’ part!)

Part of the reason for Naturally Nourish by Sara was a request from a Midwife to create a Keepsake for a family that experienced a loss.

And NN by Sara grew from there.

📷 taken by Sara Weik, photo of: Sara Weik’s first birth at St Mary’s Hospital, Duluth MN April 13th, 2008