Hello,
I just want to send out a message to encourage and praise all of you who sit
with mothers and babies and encourage them.  I'm savoring a new phrase I've
learned in one of my massage classes.  "Holding space".  When you hold space
for someone you are there with them for whatever they need.  You are there to
acknowledge whatever they are feeling or experiencing.  Mothers hold space
for their babies when their baby sleeps with them or nearby.  Doulas and
loving partners (and some labor nurses) hold space for the laboring woman so
she can know that someone is there just for her.  A midwife at the bedside of
a laboring woman holds space for her patient.  Lactation helpers hold space
in a consult for women who are learning how to nurse their babies, so that
whatever the mother needs, whether it's information, technique, or praise,
it's there for her.  Your loving, patient, open presence is a gift to each
woman you care for.  Remember that whatever the outcome for the mother and
baby and their breastfeeding experience, that your holding space for them is
a great gift.  Don't you all just love how good it can be when you recognize
that your presence with someone is a gift?  Shirley Morris, RN, LMT, IBCLC in
very warm, Phoenix, AZ

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