Haven Midwifery

11/13/2024

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: After having my fourth child, I have come to realize Haven Midwifery was my first “baby” 11 years ago, and now it’s time to give more time and energy to my real babies at home (who are growing up so fast). Noelle has been such a mover and shaker in our lives this year, guiding my husband and I into a healthier season of balance. And so, with a happy heart, I announce that I am joining the amazing team at Birthroot Midwives, Ann Tive and Krissy Jacobson January 2025. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with these dedicated women and continue the important, beautiful work of midwifery in our community.

I’ve included some photos- the first being the new Birthroot team! Yahoo! ✨

The second photo: at my open house June 2013- so young and eager!

The third photo: heading to my first birth for Haven Midwifery Nov 3, 2013

The fourth photo: loading up my supply closet for the first time

The fifth photo: cleaning out my supply closet with Noelle 🥹

What a wild ride these last 11 years of solo practice have been. Approximately 325 birth (4 being my own)! Every family I’ve been fortunate to care for, has had an impact on my heart forever. What a gift! Thank you for your trust, support and love over the last decade 💛

Head over to Birthroot Midwives website if you are in need of midwifery care or have any questions https://birthrootmidwives.com/

See you there in January!

11/12/2024

Noelle is 2 months old, and here’s my (slightly late) birth story! As a midwife, maybe some wonder what my own experience was like. 🤗

On Sept 13, I woke up (still) pregnant, four days overdue, feeling physically/emotionally drained. After a small breakfast, I dropped the older kids at school and visited the chiropractor. Baby was diagonal, head in my left hip. Thanks to Dana at Brad and Dana Chiropractic, baby rotated, leaving me feeling hopeful and willing to try induction.

With my youngest at preschool, I started my induction routine (used with many clients)—rebozo sifting on hands and knees, then exaggerated left side lie. I watched Love Is Blind while downing my lemon verbena and castor oil smoothie at 10:30am. Belly bound, I lunged, curb-walked, and hiked some hills for the next couple hours

By 1:30pm, I lay down for a cry, feeling defeated. That’s when contractions started: five minutes apart, then four, then two, lasting 60-90 seconds. At 2pm, I called my mom to pick up the kids from school and Corbin prepped the tub, balancing buckets of water and our four-year-old.

Contractions intensified, and I called my amazing midwife  at 2:06pm. She packed up to come over as I moaned through labor (my son thought this was hilarious). By 2:30pm, the birth assistant (my dear colleague Beth  ) arrived, met by my naked son (just out of the bathroom). She jumped in to help with the chaos. The primary midwife arrived at 2:45pm and I got in the tub, finding my rhythm, rocking on hands and knees, rubbing my back. My parents arrived with the older kids at 2:50pm.

A big contraction at 3:20pm brought the baby’s head down. After three pushes, Noelle was born at 3:37pm, into my hands. My kids watched, their joy evident in the photos.

Postpartum was bliss: minimal bleeding, no stitches, and a healthy 9lb 5oz baby who nursed like a champ. We celebrated with pizza (and an IPA). That night, all four kids climbed into bed, hearts full, lives changed.
Birth is powerful, sacred, beautiful. ❤️

10/20/2024

09/24/2024

She's here!! Born Friday, September 13th at 3:37pm in the water, surrounded by her siblings, grandparents and amazing midwives Mary Burgess and Beth Arcese

She was 4 days late and only growing bigger and so, after seeing the chiropractor, I induced myself with (a very specific recipe) of good ol' castor oil and endured a wild but rapid 2 hour labor. No complications. Fell asleep with 4 kids in our bed that night- so crazy! And so grateful for another home birth experience. I may be bias but midwifery care, it's the way to go!

05/22/2024

Hello everybody! This is a long overdue update for Haven Midwifery! I am growing our 4th kiddo and due in September. 💛 I caught my last baby a couple weeks ago and I am now transitioning to maternity leave/sabbatical from June-December of this year. I’ll be returning to this amazing work in the new year. It’s been a challenge to carve out this time but I am so grateful for the support and encouragement from everyone (colleagues, clients, friends and family) to take this season of rest.