My personality type, and indeed my homeschooled childhood training, have predisposed me to having a very analytical mind. I do not take things for granted. I do not “assume” anything. I am optimistic about the value of humanity in general, but when it comes to the nuts and bolts of how things are done and WHY… I ask LOTS of questions. I have an insatiable desire to understand. For me, that understanding comes through research, analyzing, networking, and yep – you guessed it – asking questions.

Whether it is why “routine” is “routine” in prenatal care, why a medication does what it does, or how a particular piece of legislation will impact my life, I ask questions.

Sometimes these questions can seem afrontive – especially if they are asked of someone who has alot of emotional energy invested in a particular area. For instance, if I were to ask Louis Pasteur to explain to me why his methods of sterilization are better than anyone else’s, he might be offended. Or if I were to say to Albert Einstein that I think his theory of relativity might have a “hole” in it.. well… you get the point.

 Still, as all homeschoolers know,  intelligent questions often are the basis of new discoveries.  My parents taught me to ask questions. To strive to understand. And so I do. Sometimes at the expense of “PR”.  :) It’s who I am. Status Quo is not in my vocabulary.

I’ve been told that I expect too much of people. Frankly, I don’t expect much at all. Maybe not enough. Instead I ask my questions so I can make up my own mind about things. This mind-set strikes at the heart of midwifery and indeed all healthcare choices in general. I was told once that asking questions and seeking understanding – making the knowledge I acquire my very own will make me a good midwife someday. I hope they were right.