Philosophy
I view pregnancy and birth as normal physiologic processes. My services are provided in accordance with the Midwifery Model of Care. This model of care includes:
- Monitoring the physical, psychological, and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle
- Individualized education, counseling, and prenatal care, and continuous assistance during labor and birth, and postpartum support
- Minimizing technological intervention
- Identifying and referring women who require obstetrical intervention
In addition, I understand that pregnancy and birth are powerful, transformative rites of passage for a woman and her family. I work as a homebirth midwife in order to honor these special qualities of birth, and to assist families in having the gentlest and most empowered birth possible for them. During prenatal care I facilitate exploration of the emotional, social, and spiritual changes taking place. During birth I provide assistance and support while respecting the mother's autonomy and her unique needs and rhythms during this amazing time. After the birth, I facilitate mother/baby bonding and successful breastfeeding . I encourage families to maintain a calm, restful environment for mother and baby in the first few weeks postpartum, so that the deep bonding and integration of the baby among the family members may gently unfold.