Hello readers!
I’m pleased to welcome Rose Mary Horst, a midwife that attends my church in Arkansas. Rose Mary is a great asset to the young mothers in our church, always willing to answer questions and offer advice. She was my doula at Anika’s birth and will be my midwife for my next child, Lord willing.
Sheri Yutzy: Hi Rose Mary, welcome to Made to Create! Let’s get started. How long have you been practicing midwifery?
Rose Mary Horst: I was in training for 3 years and have been licensed for 7 years, making that a grand total of 10 years.
SY: All vocations require some creativity in order to be done well. What part of midwifery requires the most creativity for you?
RH: Midwifery is an art that requires the ability to bond with, and holistically care for women of many different personalities and walks of life. Proving individualized care for each one means educating in a way that is helpful, and finding a delicate balance of seeking to facilitate each family’s needs and desires for their care while maintaining safe practice requirements.
SY: You interact with a lot of people. How do you recharge when you’re feeling empty?
RH: Recharge is very important to avoid burnout, maintain passion for the job, and really be present for each client. Each midwife is different in how much time is required to recharge and in what works best to recharge us. For me having a relaxing day at home where I can sleep in, eat solid, balanced meals (instead of snacking or fast food on the go), and reading a good story book, or working outside in my garden is a good way to reset, and refuel.
SY: I admire the passion you have for your job! What advice would you give to someone wanting to be a midwife?
RH: Pray about it. It must be a calling the Lord has laid on your heart in order to keep going when the going gets tough and every part of you wants to quit. Many begin training, feeling it is a noble thing to do, but it comes with the price of erratic sleeping patterns and eating schedule, strenuous physical, mental, and emotional labor. Statistically it is estimated that a low percentage of apprentices finish training.
SY: What’s the best part about your job?
RH: It’s hard to say which part of my job is the best part! But 2 of my favorite things are seeing the mom hear the strong heartbeat of tiny life for the first time, usually around 10-12 weeks, and seeing the triumphant mother, bonding with her baby in the first moments of life outside of the womb.
SY: That does sound amazing. Who inspires you most in your field?
RH: My preceptor, Venessa, whom I trained with for 2 years and still have the privilege of working with from time to time, and consulting for advice, is my greatest source of wisdom and inspiration. I learn so much observing her individualized and personable care without compromising professional and safe practice. My clients also inspire me so much. Each has their own unique story of love, faith, hope, anticipation and triumph, as they walk the whole journey of growing a human being and run the marathon of birth with God-given supernatural strength and surrender to the process that He has ordained for life.
SY: That’s encouraging to me as a mom! How have you experienced God through midwifery?
RH: I’m not sure I can give a short answer to this one! He Reveals His mighty hand in so many ways. As I learned about the microscopic cellular division and organizing of those cells to properly form each tiny human, I can have no doubt about the personal care of a marvelous Creator who is overseeing the intricate process. Over 99% of the time when a baby is born, their heart does exactly what it’s supposed to and they switch smoothly to life on their own. We cannot see ahead how things will go in each pregnancy and birth, but there is always so much awe and worship when I look back after each birth and see how God has worked out details for the best of everyone involved, to include the perfect timing of each birth, and who births where. Many times details are taken care of that I may not have thought to even pray about or specify at the time.
SY: Thank you so much for sharing with us!
RH: It has been my pleasure!
Do you have questions for Rosemary or want to encourage her in her work? Share your thoughts below!