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!