One of the reasons women choose to have the babies in the comfort of the own home is because the hospitals are not always the best place to give birth naturally. There are many reasons for this and not a lot of solutions. I believe this is why midwifery is growing (slowly) and has a had a larger presence in the media. There are only a small percentage of women having their babies at home with midwives, but this small number has caused some big waves. Perhaps the state of birth will become less medical and more holistic at some point. One thing I know for sure is that midwives provide a type of care that can not be replicated in a hospital setting. Midwives are trained differently and specialize in normal. Because of this we need the hospitals and doctors when and if it is needed. Midwives are trained to screen for and identify risks and act accordingly. We all have our place and should be respected and utilized wisely.
Midwife: "With Women"
- Midwives are committed to supporting and caring for women during their childbearing years
- Midwives provide holistic care including nutritional counseling, emotional support, complete prenatal care during pregnancy, individualized labor and delivery care, and postpartum care for mother and baby
- Trusting relationships are developed during pregnancy. This enables Midwives to understand the unique needs of each birth experience
- Midwives spend an average of four times the amount of time with their clients than most doctors
My road to becoming a Midwife -
There are many roads to becoming a midwife. There are also many women who feel the draw towards this unique line of work. I traveled the path designed by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). This organization honors the apprentice model of hands on experience. I have completed the Portfolio Evaluation Process (PEP) am now a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM).
I became interested in midwifery while I was pregnant with my second child, my son. After his birth I talked to Jan about my desire to become a midwife. About a year later (2003) I attended my first student conference held by the Colorado Midwives Association. I soon became involved with student study groups. I also became pregnant with my third child at that time. When my youngest was over a year I took a midwife assistant training with Tracy Ryan, CNM and Kris Bagiu, CPM. I assisted at my first birth in February of 2005. I also started assisting Jan that summer. I started my apprenticeship with Jan at the end of 2005. We have been working together since then.
My training has included numerous classes, study groups, clinical hours, and birth assistant work with a number of Denver Midwives and went for over eight years total. It is such an honor and a blessing to share in the miracle of life. I am so grateful to all the wonderful families who have lovingly opened up to me.
This is a picture of me with Ina May Gaskin. It was taken in front of Jan's house. She stayed with Jan during the Colorado Midwives Association (CMA) conference in May of 2007. It was truly awesome to spend time with her! It was also wonderful to hear her speak about important topics for midwives. I have enjoyed attending and helping with conferences held by the CMA. I am the CMA Treasurer, Membership Secretary, and CEU Coordinator.
