"We have a secret in our culture...and it's not that birth is painful. It's that women are strong." - Laura Stavoe Harm
My
midwifery practice is based on the knowledge that birth is a sacred and
natural process. Women already have the wisdom within them to give
birth. Women can become empowered through birth. It is my belief that
women give birth with their hearts and bodies NOT with their head. I strongly encourage and assist women to educate themselves about birth
options and make choices based on their knowledge and intuition.
Birth
is an instinctual process and women are strong. I believe mothers and
babies should not be separated during their birth and that the family
should have time to allow the bonding process to unfold. Giving birth
in the calm, loving atmosphere of your own home has many advantages.
Women work with their body, relaxing and allowing labor to progress
at it's own pace. The laboring women is in familiar surroundings and
has the ability to move around freely, take showers or baths, and to
take walks. She maintains support from her partner and loved ones as
well as continued care from her midwife.
I strongly encourage
and assist women to educate themselves about birth options and make
choices based on their knowledge and intuition. I believe an
essential part of midwifery care if the relationship between midwife
and client and that this relationship allows people to make well
informed choices about their prenatal care and birth.
Consultation visits are always free!
I have has been attending homebirths since 1994 and in private practice in the Pioneer Valley since 2001. From 1994-2003 I provided doula services for women giving birth in the hospital. My focus now is exclusively homebirth. I have had the opportunity to attended homebirths, birth center births, hospital births and have traveled over seas to work in two Jamaican hospitals and a rural clinic.
For the last 11 years I have been the director and lead teacher of the WomanCraft Midwifery Education Program. This program offers academic study programs and workshop for aspiring midwives. This program offers academic study programs and workshop for aspiring midwives. I have had the honor of helping many student midwives on their path to becoming midwives and have trained several apprentices who now have their own midwifery practices.
As a midwife, I am honored to share your journey through birth and pregnancy with you. I believe that during a birth a woman gives birth to herself as a mother and a family is born. I offer a resources, education and knowledge about the birth process . I will provide information to enable you to make informed choices.
I recommend that you carefully consider all your options, do research, and ask questions. In choosing a homebirth, you assume a higher level of responsibility and control of your care. Throughout your pregnancy and birth, I keep you fully informed with your status and options, discuss pros and cons of each option and make a unique care plan for you.The "Birth Team"
At each birth the "birth team"
includes myself, an assistant and an apprentice midwife. I have several
wonderful and loving midwifery assistants that work in my practice. Who
will attend your birth will vary based on your due date and your
location.