“I've arrived.” Welcoming babies into the world

This chapter explores the multifaceted notion of “arrival” as experienced by newly qualified midwives. Arrival is revealed as a layered event encompassing physiological, emotional, cultural, and professional dimensions. From the newborn’s biological transition directly after birth to the ritual and relational practices surrounding birth across diverse cultures, this chapter traces how arrival is both structured and symbolically charged. At the same time, this chapter shifts focus to the midwives themselves, for whom arrival means entering into the profession through tasks, moments of recognition, resonance, and belonging. Arrival is a process of becoming visible to oneself and others through presencing and participation.