I knew wasn’t going to get that support and care I needed and so my search began for someone: a nurse, a doctor, a friend, someone who could help fill this void and be an advice giver, nurturer and support system. Through my search for a midwife, I found Deb Puterbaugh. Her role in my life has helped me gain perspective, be empowered as a woman and reach depths of myself I didn’t know were there. Deb being my midwife was such a blessing but it didn’t start and end with my pregnancy and the birth of my first son.

The support and care I received before and after, changed everything. Deb held me as I sobbed over my insecurities as a new mom. She brought me flowers. She brought me wine to drink and nail polish to make me feel refreshed. She checked in during that crucial post-partum period and helped me get through many troubling breastfeeding issues. I would’ve given up otherwise. Life went on and again Deb was there and talked me through my miscarriage and was there long after when the grief settled in. She nourished my body with food made with love when I couldn’t get out of bed and didn’t know how I was going to make it as a mom. She came to my home and counseled me when I needed a sister; a mom. She held me together when I felt like my world was crumbling down. She invited me into her home, to lounge by the pool and soak up the sun and to enjoy this life I love. She inspired me every time I saw her to be a better version of myself, to reach beyond and find my power. She not only helped me find that power but she then helped me give birth a second time and it was a recovery of so many hurts in my life. I gained all the power the world had tried to take away from me. I am woman. Hear me roar. I did do this and I know the many women before me felt that power too. This culture of women helping women can and will change the world.

Deb’s influence in my life has drastically changed mine. If we could all have a mentor, friend and midwife like Deb in our lives, imagine what this world could be. I hope one day to be a mentor and friend to a scared young mom who doesn’t know up from down and I can just smile and say “It’s okay. Come with me. I know the way.” Thank you, Deb, for the confidence, empathy, grace and care that you have given me. My children thank you too. You will always be a part of our family because you helped bring this family earth side.