These notes might answer some of the questions you might have during our consultation or initial visit. I would like to give you this information to read at your leisure so you can ask additional questions while we are together.

I am an RN (Registered Nurse), an ND (Naturopathic Doctor), and a CPM (Certified Professional Midwife). I went to a hospital based school of nursing directly out of high school and worked as an RN in the hospital and in birth centers. I studied Naturopathic Medicine to augment my interest in natural health and as a foundation for midwifery practice. I am a graduate of Seattle Midwifery School.

I moved to Virginia from Washington State in 2003 where I had my own homebirth midwifery practice for 10 years. I am so thankful that the CPM credential became legal in Virginia July 1, 2005. I am enjoying practicing as a Licensed Midwife in Virginia. I am privileged to be on the Midwifery Advisory Board for the Commonwealth and the Board of Medicine.

I have attended around 1500 births, including my work as an RN in the hospital and in several birth centers; about 500 additional births have been midwife attended home births. I have worked with childbearing families in many ways; teaching childbirth classes, as a LaLeche League leader, homebirth/midwife assistant, as a friend and counselor. I have eight children of my own that give me an additional unique perspective from my personal experiences with birth as well. My transport rate is about 5%. I have had experience with most of the common complications and emergency care measures.

I have seen childbirth practices change and evolve over 35 years, always loving natural birth and concerned about the medical practices that interrupted this fragile physical miracle. I was a pioneer in promoting the early move from the sterile delivery rooms to the more homelike labor/birth rooms many hospitals now have. Our hospital was one of the first in the nation to implement this change and I had my second baby on one of the first labor/delivery beds. I have always encouraged those things that strengthen the mother/child bond, breastfeeding, rooming in, and natural health for the entire family throughout the lifespan.

I believe our bodies were made to birth babies and that most healthy women can successfully birth with a midwife at home given the proper support, education, and experienced guidance. The parents are in charge of their birth. I am a silent observer and encourager, moving into their space only as they request or require. I love teaching couples about the usual childbirth practices, their risks and benefits, and encourage them to make their own decisions about the care they desire. Information is power. FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real. Knowing the truth and understanding how to preserve and promote our body’s normal functioning, we can then trust our bodies to do the rest.

Birth Team: I like to work with an experienced assistant, a student or apprentice who has a neonatal resuscitation card. I have several women available and usually recommend one who lives closest to the mom. I am happy to let you choose if you know someone and have preferences. Although the assistant and I usually cover the role of doula, it can be very helpful in some situations to have a doula present, especially for a first baby. There is no additional fee for my birth assistant.

Fees: I would prefer to discuss this issue during our appointment. My professional billing company will file your insurance claim. We can help you use your flex medical account. I request that my base fee be paid by 36 weeks with a $500 deposit at your first prenatal visit. You may make other arrangements or pay with MC/Visa or PayPal from my website.

I would love to help you plan your home birth, to be an observant encourager and informer as you desire. Birth is a continuation of the love and intimacy you shared as a couple at the beginning of this journey. Your love is branching out to welcome a child into your lives. It is a natural, normal life process that is potentially one of the most powerful experiences you will ever have. It is an opportunity to build strength into your lives as you grow in new and wonderful ways.

I hope you will consider inviting me to be your midwife.

Peggy