my philosophy

 My many years of experience in birth have shown me that each woman, each family, and each birthing situation is unique. Everything follows it own path. Every pregnancy and birth; every labor contraction and every postpartum or breastfeeding moment within the family, has a purpose. Women birth most comfortably and spontaneously when they are supported to give birth on their own terms. By doing their own inner work and receiving education, screening, care, and support, women are able to find their own answers within, from their own inner authority and individual sense of being. This brings a deep sense of power and responsibility, allowing the biological processes of childbearing to occur naturally or more naturally, based on the events of the individual experience. 

The reality of "what is" is dependent on the woman's ability to integrate and be with things in a way that is personally meaningful for her in the present moment. Babies feel this, as they are quintessentially at one with the mother during the prenatal period and do not see themselves as separate from her until deeply into the extended postpartum period. They feel what she is feeling, always. When mothers are in their power, babies are able to navigate their own birth process in a more supported way, because the biology; the hormones, endorphins and  brain chemistry for birth are creating an open channel with less resistance. Babies are  more able to participate by doing their part in the birth process. Mothers working together with their babies in full support can create an amazing opportunity for bonding and breastfeeding.

Pregnancy itself is a natural catalyst for the birthing process, as written and illustrated against the backdrop each woman's individual current reality. As the psycho-spiritual processes of pregnancy unfold, the woman is invited to look at what is coming up for her, along with  the circumstances and realities that have somehow shaped her along the way. This is her opportunity to discover who she really is and what she wants for herself and her family as she takes on the new, life-giving power that is the hallmark of maternity. The prenatal work is so much about creating a vision. It's letting go of the past and looking ahead and being in the moment; learning how to embrace the unknown in life and in childbearing, acknowledging  where we do and do not have control. 

It is my role as a midwife to support the life-affirming processes of motherhood and of becoming a family through trusting, supportive relationships. The woman is encouraged and empowered to be the leading decision-maker in all aspects of her care. Fears and worries that may be rooted in external pressures, or in the past, are explored carefully and deeply until the woman feels she is on solid ground. It is normal for previous hurts and harms to resurface for during pregnancy and throughout the childbearing process. This is the psyche at work, preparing all members of the family to welcome a new member and embrace changing roles and responsibilities in a way that is more free of previous burdens. Some pregnancies and births are easier than others. Regardless of how strong and self-aware someone already is, the childbearing process is meant to transform, and new circumstances bring greater opportunity for transformation. As new life awakens in you, and you are waking up to a new life, I am here to support and guide you. I provide safe midwifery care beginning in early pregnancy, and home birth with  follow up care for you and the baby through six weeks postpartum. Please contact me if I can be of service to you or answer any questions. I wish you the very best in whatever your experience brings.