Because I love going through those processes with women, supporting them when they are feeling at their most vulnerable. I find pregnancy and birth, and newborn development, absolutely fascinating, I just wouldn't want to go through it myself. And newborns are great to work with for short periods of time, as long as I can give them back.
Having the skills to make a woman, and her family, feel safe, supported and less stressed during one of the most significant times of their life is extremely rewarding. Planting the seeds so these families enjoy a better life, or have better balanced and happier children is amazing.
Receiving a newborn into my hands, seeing them for the first time, witnessing them taking their first breath, witnessing their mother and father seeing their baby for the first time, and their reactions is a privilege every single time.
Also, supporting a family through miscarriage, stillbirth or emergencies and succeeding in making a horrendous time a bit less horrendous. Sharing their grief, being the rock they can lean on. Protecting their space.
This job is absolutely amazing. Nevertheless, it still does not make me want to go through pregnancy, birth and child rearing myself.