Umndeni means Family
The family that I created means everything to me. It is because of them that I have propelled into the person I am today. God entrusted me to be the wife to Blake, and the mother to little Blake, Bryce, and Blaine. I have been happily married for 10 years and it has been one of the most joyous occasions of mi life. With him, I have been afforded the opportunity of being a mother to his children. My big babies! They bring me so much joy and I couldn’t possibly fathom life without them. If I am not in class or at a birth, you can find me with these blessings of mine.
CHURCH
God means more to me than anything because without Him, who am I? Without Him, how could I be? Church for me is not only in a church building but how I live my everyday life. I don’t change to act a certain way on Sunday morning for service. I am the way that I am about God 24 hours, 7 days a week. In Him do I live and have my being. God, family, and friends is how I survive.
PRECEPTORSHIP AS A STUDENT MIDWIFE
I like to think that I am a special student midwife. Since May 2021, my preceptor is an OBGYN! That’s almost unheard of. A CPM student with an OB as a preceptor. I have been fortunate enough to learn about other procedures and aspects of birth that we wouldn’t get to see at a homebirth. It has also allowed me to see some things that could have changed my career choice. However, having Dr. Fauntleroy to lead and guide me into catching babies, I would have had it no other way. She is extremely patient with me and I know at times it can be frustrating but I know she believes in me and only wants to see me succeed! This doctor not only looks like me but she sees patients as I see them, an extended part of the family. I am honored to be able to have collaborative care already established for when I complete midwifery school. She’s not your typical OB and that’s why I chose her to be my preceptor. Not only did I choose her, but she chose me too. If I’m not with family, at church, or doing doula work, I am definitely at the hospital learning!