Frequently Asked Questions

As a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) and Licensed Midwife (LM), I offer prenatal care, labor and delivery support, postpartum care for both the mother and baby, breastfeeding support, and well-woman care beyond the childbearing years.  I believe in the beauty and holiness of birth, and will support you and your family with love, professionalism backed by many years of experience as a midwife.  My team of highly trained and wonderful advanced midwifery students will assist me.

I am a California Licensed Midwife (LM) and Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), in practice for over 35 years.  A Registered Nurse (RN) since 1990 with a wide background in various types of nursing, including Labor & Delivery, Geriatrics, HomeHealth, Hospice, and a Children's Camp Nurse for many years.  I have been a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for 10 years. I am also a registered NARM (North American Registry of Midwives) preceptor for midwifery students through NMI (National Midwifery Institute) and NCM (National College of Midwifery) and MIA (Mercy In Action).  I work in conjunction with a team of well trained, advanced midwifery students and apprentices, as well as Doulas.  A team of three is optimal for the safety of mom and baby.  We are mindful of your space and privacy, respectful and quiet and guide you as much or as little as you desire.  

We have prenatal care and postpartum follow up care out of our office in Atascadero, with an alternative site in San Luis Obispo for ease of travel for SLO and South County clientele.

I believe that childbirth is a normal, naturally physiologic process and that women have the right to make informed decisions about their care. I strive to provide personalized, evidence-based care that empowers women and their families.  I believe every baby is a gift from God and that they have the inherent right to be treated with love and respect.  

These things I believe: 

• that moms who innately believe in their ability to give birth
• who are able to get out of their thinking brains and into their bodies and let their body birth as it is innately designed to do 
• who have prepared themselves with whole foods, daily exercise, deep breathing and relaxation
• who have physical and emotional support
• who gather knowledge from reading books and evidence based resources
• who get any counseling they need to process trauma prior to birth
• who take childbirth and breastfeeding classes to lay a solid foundation 
• who work with bodyworkers (chiropractic, acupuncture, pelvic floor therapy, etc) during pregnancy (we have great referrals)

These are the things that will contribute to a healthy and optimal birth experience.   What a woman puts into her pregnancy will highly contribute to what she gets out of it.  Birth is not all sunshine and roses: it is hard work, that is why it is called labor. We were made to do this.  With respect, love and physical and emotional support, you will  be empowered to have the birth that you desire.