My name is Amanda Afdahl and, as President-Elect, I have the privilege of getting to write the October newsletter. It’s a busy week ahead as we are in the final stretch before our Circle of Care Conference in San Antonio, as well as finalizing the new board members for next year. If you didn’t apply for a position this time but have wondered what it would be like to be on the board, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of us with questions. The board is made up of members just like you! It was so eye-opening to realize that my fellow birth professional peers were the engine behind ICEA. The more involved our members are the more fuel we have to keep that engine running.
My favorite time of year is fall. For most of my life, I’ve been an avid runner and fall recalls fond memories of trail runs. In the current season of my life, instead of trail runs, I enjoy a long morning walk with my dog and often listen to an audiobook. Ok…confession…I listen to audiobooks all the time whether I’m walking, cooking, folding laundry, or doing any other project. I recently started a book by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate titled: “Hold on to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More than Peers.” I just realized it was originally published in 2006. It’s not as new as I thought! The focus of the book is parental attachment. I’m only halfway through the book, but I’ve already thought through how we as birth professionals play a role in the long-term health of families because of the way we can help support the initial mother-baby attachment. One of the conference webinar videos titled “Respectful Care of Newborn Physiology,” by Hilliary Menke, is a perfect example of how we can help parents see and treat their tiniest family member with dignity and compassion while creating as they create a deep and lasting attachment. Nice work Hilliary! And all of you who are helping families in this way.
Speaking of helping others, it’s hard not to mention Helene. The original path of the storm would have gone directly over my home in North West Georgia. When I went to bed Thursday night I didn’t expect it to go elsewhere, but I also can’t imagine what my last week would have looked like if it stayed on that path. I’m not on social media a whole lot, but I’ve heard that so many people are helping each other. When we see each other with dignity and compassion we act differently. Vulnerable times seem to draw out either the best or worst in us. I see this in my doula work as well; when a nurse has had a long shift or she just seems agitated by her own life struggles which don’t go away just because she’s at work. As the doula, I could become guarded and allow this to change the energy in the room, or I can see her as likely another tired mom who’s worn out but still doing her job. When I ask her name, how long she’s been a labor and delivery nurse, how her day has been or any other simple question that allows for connection, it can change the energy she brings to the family I’m supporting. How are you seeing the care providers you work with or the people you interact with the most?
In addition to audiobooks, I also love a couple of podcasts. And yes, just a couple because there are just too many options; and though I joked about listening to something all the time, I learned that my nervous system cannot handle constant input so I try to limit myself to a few regular listens. One of those is the Strong Women podcast. The host always asks her guest two questions at the end. What books are you reading? And if you could have coffee (tea, a glass of wine) with any woman from history who would it be? I’d love to hear your answers to those two questions. I’m always looking for another book to add to my list. So email me your recommendations as well as your coffee date inspirations: Amanda.Afdahl@icea.org. If you’re coming to the conference tell me in person because you’re on my list of ladies to have coffee/tea or wine with.
