"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words." -C.S. Lewis
Pastoral care is a form of spiritual and emotional support offered to guide individuals through life’s challenges and provide care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. In midwifery, this concept can be beautifully adapted to nurture the emotional and spiritual well-being of midwives, who often carry immense responsibility and stress as they serve others.
As midwives, we are called to listen deeply—not only with our ears but with our hearts. We carry the stories, joys, and sorrows of the mothers we serve, walking with them through one of the most sacred and transformative experiences of their lives—childbirth. Yet in the midst of this holy calling, we often neglect to offer ourselves, or our fellow midwives, that same level of care and compassion. The work of midwifery is physically demanding and emotionally intense, and the accumulated weight of responsibility can lead to exhaustion, burnout, and even emotional detachment.
HeartSong is a pastoral care program designed to provide “soul care” for midwives—nurturing not just the hands and minds, but the hearts of those who serve. Its very name reflects the truth that every midwife carries a song within her heart, one that needs to be heard, strengthened, and renewed if she is to continue offering life-giving care to others. The essence of this program is to “midwife the midwife,” recognizing that the spirit of the midwife is central to her ability to care with compassion, presence, and resilience.
Just as we help mothers give birth, we must help midwives process their own emotional and spiritual burdens. HeartSong creates space to reflect, to heal, and to rediscover purpose. It acknowledges that when the heart of a midwife is cared for, her song can rise again—clear, strong, and full of life.
Burnout is especially common among young midwives and students who are just beginning their journey. The weight of expectations, long hours, and the emotional toll can create feelings of overwhelm, isolation, and disillusionment. Without intentional support, midwives may struggle to sustain themselves in a profession that asks so much of their bodies, minds, and spirits.
The HeartSong Pastoral Care Program for Midwives seeks to prevent burnout and restore joy by cultivating a community where midwives feel supported, heard, and renewed. This program centers on key components of soul care, offering rhythms of rest, opportunities for connection, and guidance for sustaining the song of the heart in the sacred work of midwifery.
Emotional Support and Debriefing
Creating regular spaces where midwives can debrief after challenging births or situations, sharing their experiences without judgment. This provides an opportunity for them to release the emotional weight they carry and avoid internalizing their stress or grief.
Self-Care Practices
Teaching midwives practical tools for self-care, including techniques to manage stress, set boundaries, and maintain a work-life balance. This might include mindfulness, breath work, journaling, or taking time for personal reflection and rest.
Spiritual Nurture
Offering spiritual guidance and opportunities for midwives to reconnect with the deeper, sacred aspects of their work. Whether through prayer, meditation, or reflective practices, this aspect of the program helps midwives to stay grounded and connected to their sense of purpose.
Peer Support Networks
Building a strong community of midwives who can support one another, not only professionally but also personally. Peer mentorship and support can create bonds of trust and solidarity, reminding midwives that they are not alone in their struggles.
Training on Compassionate Care for Self and Others
Fostering a culture within midwifery that emphasizes self-compassion and the importance of caring for one another as we care for our clients. By treating ourselves and our colleagues with the same kindness and empathy we offer to the mothers we serve, we can sustain ourselves in the long term.
Through this program, midwives are reminded that their emotional and spiritual health is just as important as their physical and professional competence. It is not enough to be technically skilled and knowledgeable; the heart of the midwife must be tended to as well. Only when we care for ourselves with the same love and intention that we offer to others can we continue to serve with joy, energy, and a sense of fulfillment.
In essence, our program is about ensuring that midwives remain whole and well, both in their professional and personal lives. It seeks to preserve the passion, heart, and spirit of the midwife by fostering an environment of compassion, reflection, and mutual care.
Schedule and Pay for Pastoral Care Session with Beth DeFrance, CPM
Schedule and Pay for Mentorship Session
Schedule and Pay for Individual Birth Debrief with Amy Kirbow, CPM, LM
Schedule and Pay for Group Birth Debrief with Amy Kirbow, CPM, LM
Heartsong Pastoral Care & Mentorship Program
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