I was denied privileges on my birthday (October 11). I wrote a 2 page letter (single-spaced) about myself and why I should have birth center privileges, so the board reconsidered, and on October 19, my brother's birthday, I was granted privileges. So the first hurdle was jumped.

The client who wanted my services once I got privileges is my first client! This will be her third baby. Another woman who is pregnant with her first baby called me after seeing my ad in the People's Exchange, which is a free magazine that all the Amish around here read religiously. So now I have two whole clients of my own!! One due in January, one due in June. This afternoon I met another young woman and her husband to meet me and talk about whether they want to hire me. They will meet with two other midwives and make their decision....I have mixed feelings about this one: they are the son and daughter-in-law of the president of the birth center board!! If they do choose me, I'm not going to turn them down!

Well, crap!! That's all I can say right now. The (Amish) board of directors of the birth center denied me privileges--get this--because I work at Planned Parenthood! They aren't sure that that is in line with their philosophy. I thought that getting privileges was just a formality, that I would be a shoo-in. Not so. Of course, they don't know me at all. So now I'm working on a letter for the board members to read. The next board meeting is November 10. Maybe they'll reconsider then and grant me privileges. What a pain! If they don't, my practice will be solely home birth. My first potential client is already 5-1/2 months along, and would like a birth center birth. If I don't get privileges, I will have to let her know that she should seek care elsewhere.

What really bites is that this is the only times they've denied someone privileges that I know of. Several months ago they took away the privileges of another CNM after some questionable practices on her part. So does that put me in the same box as her? I sure don't feel like I belong there!

I am starting this blog to document the startup of my new business, Peaceful Beginnings Midwifery Service. And who else knows what will show up? Maybe some rants and raves, maybe some updates on cross stitching and other crafts that I do; time will tell. I've never done a blog before, so I'm anxious to know what this will look like....