Midwifery can only thrive where it is supported

If it had been me sharing my resignation letter this past June with the newspaper, I would have made sure the most important line was quoted: "Midwifery can only thrive in an environment that is supportive of it." It is sad that midwifery has not been guarded because the many women of the north country deserve midwifery care. I tried to stay, and apologize that I cannot but I am so very tired and my family has suffered. I am so very lucky that my husband and family still love me! Somebody else will have to address the issue of restriction of trade in a physician shortage area as it is against public policy. Thank you to those in Watertown who were inspired to assist my staying.

While in Carthage we have had many blessings. At the top of the list would be my doctors, who do encourage midwifery. I thank them and will miss them dearly. To the staff at Carthage Area Hospital who did a nice job of supporting midwifery, thank you! To those who could not, you may want to seek inside because the population suffers for the lack of midwives. A huge kudos to the Carthage Central School District, to the JORTC program and to the Girl Scouts — our children's lives will be a bit less for leaving.

I give thanks for the many first breaths of life that passed through my hands. I have been so fortunate to experience the beautiful births and the growing of families. I cannot forget the women past the childbearing age who have enriched my life — pleasure to cross your paths! Of special note: it has been such an honor to serve the military wives; you are our nation's unsung heroes. Thank you for the inspiration and for the work that your husbands do.

So, my family is sadly selling our lovely little homestead and "Truckin' off to Buffalo..." I have considered staying; but I cannot. I have witnessed injustice. For me to stay would imply that I accept that which I have observed and I would become a part of the problem rather than the solution. I plan to continue being a midwife someplace where each safety measure is addressed, where oppression in the workplace is unheard of; someplace where providers are given the same respect and courtesy that we gladly show each of our patients. And no, it is not over the rainbow. I still believe CAH has tremendous potential due to the many wonderful people who work there. But somebody needs to hold accountable some of the practices that have become the norm.

Beautiful births!

Lucy Coady

Buffalo

The writer is a certified nurse and midwife.