| INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION |
It has been over 20 years since I became a midwife and I have helped over 800 babies during that time. I have been married to my husband for 28 years and we have 3 children who were all born at home: Philip is 28, Amie Joy is 25 and Lora is 23. While I am still involved in their lives, as well as church and community activities, I am now able to devote more of my time than ever to "just being a midwife."
Birth is a beautiful event and in asking me to be your midwife you are inviting me into a time of intimacy and special memories. I offer a "FREE CONSULTATION" time for us to interview one another and know that we are comfortable with each other in all ways. Honesty about health history, responsibility for self-care and positive communications are requirements for a good relationship. Verbalizing your expectations of me as your midwife is important too. |
| PHILOSOPHY |
I believe the female body was uniquely and perfectly designed by God to give birth, and in most cases this will happen naturally. Every woman should learn how her body works and help it by eating the proper foods, having a positive attitude and caring for herself and her unborn child during pregnancy. Giving birth is one of the highest joys in a woman's life and reaches its ultimate when shared in the surroundings of her own choosing with those who love her.
There will be occasional problems outside the range of normal, and it is my responsibility to identify these problems, inform you of alternatives and ask that you seek appropriate medical attention. My commitment to birth is based on the concept that pregnancy is NOT a disease, and therefore usually doesn't need a lot of interference and technology, nor does your body need to be drugged or cut on to do its job. Your baby deserves the BEST - home birth has been the safest place for mothers and babies for centuries. It is practiced exclusively in many other countries that have fewer deaths of newborns and mothers than the United States. Along with this choice comes the responsibility to do all within your power as parents to plan for the arrival of your child - a very special event! My role is to be WITH you, to share information, to encourage you, to support you and to help you grow with this experience. Being a midwife is not the same as being a doctor. I am aware of the many things that CAN be done to help ensure a safe, beautiful birth and also aware of the limitations. I comply with all current laws applying to midwifery. Most of all I want to help you have a safe and blessed birth While certain tests and procedures are "required by law", you have the right to make all decisions concerning the health and well-being of your baby and to act as the responsible party for these decisions. My job is to inform you as much as I can during the process. |
| EDUCATION & TRAINING |
I am professionally certified by the North American Registry of Midwives, and hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree, 1975; did Cultural Studies in Bricketwood, England, 1973; and have current CPR Certification and Neonatal Resuscitation Certification. I am currently serving a six year term on the Midwifery Board for the Texas Department of Health in Austin. I served as President of the Association of Texas Midwives for 4 years until May 2000. I remain involved with midwives around the state, education for midwives and legislation concerning home birth.
Education is a continuous process and when I have questions or can't answer your questions, I study and search. Continuing education classes are taken at midwifery conferences and I also teach several per year. You will find a large selection of books and magazines that I loan out to clients on a regular basis. |