02/01/2026
I don't know why I chose St. Brigid to be my confirmation saint, besides the fact that she was from Ireland. I'm very proud of my Irish ancestry. 🍀Most of her life is from folklore and legend, so very little is documented. But I was happily surprised to find that due to miracles that were associated with her stories, she is the Patron Saint of Midwifery and Babies.
For thousands of years women birthed their babies with the assistance of a midwife so it makes good sense that there would be a patron for these important women. Midwives are trained professionals skilled in normal birth. They walk with women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum and many are able to offer well woman care as well. Midwives in the United States may attend birth at home, birth centers, or hospitals, depending on state.
The midwifery model of care emphasizes a personal approach that centers the mother rather than the provider or medical system. It views birth as a normal, healthy, and powerful event in a woman's life. Appointments are often 30 minutes to an hour long allowing the midwife to get to know the mother and her history, experiences, and desires for the birth. Midwives are trained to recognize when things might be varying from normal and may need more medical intervention. I have been honored to attend the many midwife assisted births. Midwives are an absolute gift to majority of mothers who have a low-risk pregnancy and birth.
May Saint Brigid intercede for those caring for us during birth and for these precious babies that are given to us.