Lin’s role also involves being on standby around the clock from weeks 37 through 42 of her client’s pregnancy. Whether it’s at 2am when she’s sleeping or 1pm in the middle of a family gathering, when her client calls her to let her know it’s time, Lin must be ready to go.
She charges by each birth, so it doesn’t matter how long it takes – she’ll be there throughout the whole labour.
“I’m proud to say I’ve never missed a birth,” Lin said. “There are moments when I arrive just as the baby gets out, but those moments are very few and far between.”
Over the years, Lin has occasionally witnessed home births that required hospital transfers, either because the labour lasted too long or the mother decided to opt for medicated pain relief.
Thankfully, she said, there has never been an emergency that resulted in a traumatic experience for the mother. “And I pray it remains that way,” Lin added.
“In my line of work, I’ve missed birthdays, Chinese New Year and Christmas celebrations, family gatherings, hangouts with friends and so on,” she said.
“It’s hard emotionally sometimes, but it’s part and parcel of my work and I’m grateful to have my friends, family and husband be so understanding.”
