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 I  believe that each mother should have the right to choose how and where she is going to give birth to her baby. While I love home birth and  advocate for safe home birth for normal pregnancy and delivery, I would never try to convince someone that home birth is the right choice for them. 

I want my clients and families to be empowered to make their own decisions regarding where they will give birth and I strongly encourage all clients and their families to make an informed decision by doing the research necessary and asking questions.

 Licensed Midwives are formally trained primary healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive care to women during pregnancy, labor, and birth, and the first six to eight weeks postpartum. Across the rest of the world, most babies are born into the hands of capable midwives. The term ‘Licensed Midwife’ is a protected title in WA State, and indicates that the midwife has met the standards to register with the Washington Department of Health, and maintains her status through ongoing relicensing and continuing education. In Washington studies show that giving birth at home is safe just like it is in other places in the world where midwives are an established part of the health care system.

 Midwives can train through various schools but all must comply with a rigorous set of standards set by the Washington State Department of Health. Many licensed midwives in WA State also abide by the standards established by the Midwives Association of Washington State (MAWS). Some midwives train overseas and others complete degree programs here in Washington. We also must maintain current NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) and Healthcare Provider BLS certifications. Resources that I bring to every birth include oxygen, emergency medications, IV fluids, infant resuscitation equipment, and more.

 Midwifery clients experienced lower rates of forceps, vacuum extractions, caesarean sections, episiotomies, infections and babies born requiring resuscitation in studies where midwifery care was integrated into the healthcare system and when compared to physician-led care. Familes that hire midwives report much higher satisfaction with their experience. 

Yes! There can be a misconception that you must live in a large house to actually have a home birth. Home births can work in all sorts of spaces. Think about the size of a hospital room.. they can be pretty small. I’m sure your space is bigger than a hospital room! 

 Midwives support women through the natural process of birth using many techniques and tools to ease and normalize the challenge of labor. Being in your own space with freedom to move and eat and drink goes a long ways. If pain relief such as an epidural is required, or another complication should arise, we will transfer you to a hospital which we have agreed upon during the prenatal period. 

Midwives are experts in normal pregnancy and birth which means that I am always on the lookout for any sign outside of the realm of normal. Usually obstetrical complications present gradually and if caught early can be treated by a physician and an appropriate course of action can be decided on between the client, midwife and physician.

Midwives are trained to handle emergencies which can occur during labor and delivery. Home birth midwives carry oxygen, resuscitation equipment, IV equipment, suturing equipment for tears and drugs for postpartum hemorrhage, as well as maintain certification in Neonatal Resuscitation and CPR.

Yes, I welcome any and all family members. 

It is never too late to change your mind about where you want to give birth. If you are low risk and desire a home birth please reach out.