Wyoming Midwives

Every woman has the right to give birth in a way that is meaningful and satisfying to her, with respect for her/her family's cultural, philosophical and religious beliefs. I believe that birth is a normal life process - a very personal and individual experience - best accompained by minimal intervention and maximum support and education. I am commited to offering pregnancy, homebirth, postpartum and newborn care that is safe and joyful.

My primary role is one of education, support and advocacy. I am certified in Neonatal Resuscitation and CPR, and am trained to identify and respond to emergency situations in the home setting. I consider myself to be a consultant to a woman and her family, helping them to make decisions about what they believe is best for them during the incredible childbearing year. An honest, trusting and caring relationship between a woman and her midwife is essential to achieving our goal: a healthy mom and baby and a happy family!

As a midwife registered with the State, I am trained to offer comprehensive care for healthy, "low risk" (i.e., no concerning medical conditions) women and newborns through 6-8 weeks postpartum. I have offices in both Paonia and Carbondale, and offer a free initial consultation to anyone wanting to explore their birthing options. Childbirth education classes will be offered 2-3 times/year beginning in 2002. I also offer gentle, informative well-woman care, and am a trained doula who can support women and families who choose a hospital birth. I have an an extensive library that is always available to clients, as well as professional referrals to offer those in need of additional services or support.

My interest in midwifery began as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala in the 1980's, where I was invited to attend births with the local village midwife. After 4+ years in Guatemala I returned to the U.S. where I trained medical and nursing students in compassionate, informative well-woman care (breast and pelvic exams) while completing a Master's program in Health Education. I then worked internationally to train traditional midwives throughout Latin America.

I apprenticed for two years with two different homebirth midwives in Colorado, after which I completed a 3-year midwifery training at the Seattle Midwifery School. As part of my clinical training, I have done internships with home, birth center and hospital-based midwives, including 4 months with an Osteopathic OB in an Amish birth center, and 4 weeks in a maternity hospital in the Philippines. I feel very blessed to have learned from so many wonderful care providers in so many different settings. My experiences have grown my respect and admiration for midwives and families worldwide.

My husband and I have a medicinal herb farm in nearby Hotchkiss, Colorado - and are in our second year of growing western, eastern and ayurvedic herbs for herbalists, naturopathic doctors and herbal product makers. We hope to have a line of herbal mom and baby products by Summer 2002 ~ teas, tinctures, salves and sitz baths... stay tuned! Or check out our website: www.coloradoblueherbfarm.com