As a nurse midwife, I am a guide in the journey through pregnancy, labor and birth, breast-feeding and early parenting. My job is to assist expectant parents in feeling comfortable, respected, safe, educated and confident. I encourage women and their families to be active participants in their health care and to ask questions. I invite them to develop birth plans that communicate what is most meaningful to them during their birth experience and how they want to welcome their new baby into their lives. It is an honor for me to be present at such a special time. To provide women with as many options as possible, I practice in a hospital with obstetricians and emergency care staff. Although I actively support natural childbirth, I also believe that medications should be available as needed."