The Secret Power Behind the Childbirth Professional

Part One

By Todd Schuchmann

 

I once saw a “Peanuts” comic strip where Snoopy gets scared one evening, walks to Charlie Brown’s house, and knocks on his door. Charlie Brown answers and begins to encourage Snoopy, telling him everything will be all right, the sun will come out tomorrow, the storm will pass and morning will come, and so on. I think you get the picture. Snoopy, after regaining his composure, walks back to his doghouse full of hope. Charlie Brown, on the other hand, lies down in bed, frowns, and moans, “Who comforts the comforter?”

I think anyone who lives to serve others-- childbirth professionals definitely fall into this category-- feels this way from time to time. Who comforts the comforter? Well, for those who are married, that roll belongs to the husband.

This is the introduction to a series of articles that will explore the effects of the life of a childbirth professional on her husband and how the husband of a childbirth professional can support his wife in her calling.

Even if you are not a childbirth professional or married to one, please read on as well. The principles that will be shared pertain to ALL marriages and key relationships.

For those childbirth professionals who are single, please know that you need just as much support and care as your married counterparts. Who takes care of you? That will be discussed as well.

The principles that will be shared have been forged in my life. There is nothing that I will communicate that I have not at least attempted, and in most cases successfully implemented. These are the lessons of a husband who is deeply dedicated to his wife’s fulfillment and success in life. In case you do not recognize my name, I am the husband of Charis’ International Director, Kristin Schuchmann. We have been married over thirteen years and I have had plenty of opportunities to live what I will be sharing.

As most of you know, Kristin is an amazing person (I am partial, of course). Most people let their dreams die and settle for a life below which they are capable; Kristin is not one of those. She is extremely passionate and works diligently to see those passions take wings and benefit the world around her. No person she comes in contact with goes unchanged, myself included.

It has pleased me to see Kristin become the woman she is; and as she has grown, Charis has grown alongside of her. I still remember the first discussions and events that laid the groundwork for what Charis is today. Hopefully some of those stories will come out as this series of articles take shape.

My prayer is that as these thoughts are read, marriages will be strengthened, families brought together, relationships forged, and that each childbirth professional will find the support they need to expand God’s kingdom by supporting birthing families.

So until next time, peace to your home,

Todd Schuchmann