Comprehensive holistic midwifery service in the Greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, offering a variety of options including Prenatal Care, Homebirth, Waterbirth, Professional Doula Assistance for hospital-birthing families, Well-woman care and Well-baby consultations, Lactation Assistance, Postpartum Care, and Belly casting.

I am a Certified Professional Midwife with 12 years of experience in homebirth. My formal education includes a Bachelor of Science degree from Valparaiso University (1975) and post-graduate studies in Homeopathy, Anatomy & Physiology, Pathology and Spanish. I live in Kewaskum, Wisconsin with my husband and youngest son.

The process of human childbirth is a normal physiological process perfectly designed by nature to bring babies into the world. It is an instinctive, primal experience that has it's own rhythm and pace which should be respected and honored, and works best when interfered with as little as possible. Women should have as much control as possible in determining their care, and should be encouraged to be active participants in decision-making and self-care. When informed, supported and encouraged to follow their own instincts, women can be active givers of birth rather than passive receivers of birth technology. Childbirth, when experienced in this way, has the potential to be a transformative event; women who take responsibility for their births and give birth to their babies under their own power, emerge from the experience empowered, with a new sense of their own capabilities. This transformation benefits not only that mother and her children, but also the entire family unit, the community, the culture at large, and ultimately the world, as it encourages peaceful, loving, responsible relationships. As we birth, so we live.

Midwifery is both an art and a science. The art of midwifery consists of sensitivity to the needs of women and families, and being able to meet these needs in the most appropriate way. It involves knowing when and how to intervene to promote safety if it becomes necessary, and is grounded in scientific knowledge. The science of midwifery overlaps with that of other disciplines such as medicine and nursing. The crux of the art and science of midwifery lies in the knowledge of and devotion to keeping birth, and other related processes normal. I see my clients as whole, capable people for whom the processes of pregnancy, labor, delivery and parenting offer the opportunity for significant personal growth

Prenatal care is available in my home office in Kewaskum or in my Milwaukee office location. Contact me for fee information.

In addition to my practice as a midwife, I am also a classically-trained homeopath. I have been practicing for over 10 years. Because I do not hold a license to practice medicine, I offer my service as a wellness consultant and educator, rather than as a "prescriber". In this capacity, I can assist you in setting up a program that will enhance your general state of health and give suggestions for remedies that may help eliminate any undesirable symptoms you may be experiencing. Since I am not a licensed medical provider, my services are not covered by insurance.

For more information on homeopathy, see my webpage: www.birthspirit.org/homeopathy

Although I primarily serve women and families desiring homebirth, I recognize that, in our culture, most women will still choose hospital birth. I believe that those women also deserve wonderful, transformative birthing experiences, and I know that having a doula is one of the best ways for this to happen. Therefore, I also offer my services as a Professional Labor Assistant, or doula, to couples desiring hospital birth.

This service is designed to provide you with:
·physical and emotional support during labor
·comfort-enhancement, which increases the effectiveness of your labor
· an expert to monitor the well-being of you & your baby during early labor at home, before entering the hospital, and help you determine when to go in
·support for your partner so he/she can assist you effectively but doesn’t have to "do it all"
·an advocate and "interpreter" in the hospital as you create the birth you desire

This is not meant to usurp the role of your partner, but rather to guide them and ease the weight of responsibility so they can relax, feel more confident and enjoy the birth.

Studies have shown that women who use a female labor assistant experience
·fewer complications
·require fewer drugs
·have lower rates of cesarean section and other medical interventions
·are generally more satisfied with their birth experiences

Research has also indicated increased attachment to their babies in the weeks postpartum and higher rates of breastfeeding success among women who chose to have another, experienced woman accompany them through labor.

Additionally, because I am a practicing midwife, I have the skills and equipment to help you stay home longer if this is what you wish to do. I can monitor the well-being of you and the baby and help you determine when to go to the hospital.

I am trained as a childbirth educator thru ALACE (formerly Informed Homebirth) and Hypnobirthing. I am now also offering "The Pink Kit" birth education information to my clients. My classes include all the basic information on anatomy and physiology of birth, but go far beyond this to the psychology of letting go, getting in touch with and facing your fears, and dealing with pain. I also cover all of the labor-and-delivery options and hospital birth interventions in depth and teach you how to be a good consumer of medical services. Homebirth is discussed as a viable option and details of birthing at home are shared. You will learn to relax and get in touch with your body. Lots of videos are shown and a lending library is available.