Catching Joy Midwifery

04/28/2025

Great news. You can now use the link below to book new and established patient visits at Bureau County Family Health.

https://consumer.scheduling.athena.io/?locationId=32684-1

04/04/2025

We are pleased to announce we will continue to serve you at our new location. Please call the new Bureau Country Family Health Office to schedule an appointment, to have your records transferred or for any questions. Our previous offices will be closed as of April 9th. We look forward to meeting with you!

03/26/2025

Join our team located at the Bureau County Health Department!

01/05/2025

Bittersweet post coming. My husband and I made a decision in 2024 for this to be the last year of Catching Joy Homebirth. I will be continuing to provide women’s healthcare through Catching Joy Midwifery. My heart has been so full with serving women and I have enjoyed each and every family I have served. As it is though, there comes a time when old midwives can pass on the torch to the younger generation and be there to support them when needed. Retirement is a mixed bag of emotions. The sadness of not knowing when I’ll witness the miracle of birth again mixed with a feeling of freedom to travel and sleep at night! So, as I wait this morning for the last baby born with CJM, here are the 2024 statistics:

24 home births
- 0 c/s
- 1 repeat VBAC
- 1 primary VBAC
- 1 Shoulder dystocia without any sequelae. Apgars 8&9
- 2 hemorrhages without need for transfer
- 6 waterbirths
- 0 apgars < 7 at 1 minute
- 2 repairs required, both 2nd degree or less.
- 0 episiotomies
- 0 newborn transfers

5 prenatal transfers
- 1 desired epidural. Tx in early 3rd trimester
- 4 for high risk diagnosis
- 1 c/s; 3 vaginal births

1 in labor transfer form meconium stained fluid remote from delivery

7 spontaneous miscarriages cared for

6 women started prenatal care knowing that they would transfer to hospital provider in late 2nd trimester.

So much to be grateful for here. I am blessed and thankful to each family that trusted me and my team to care for them. Happy 2025 everyone!

06/20/2024

Learn how to prepare your body for labor, delivery, and early postpartum by joining the 2024 Maternity Summit with Hammond Henry Hospital's Women's Health Physical Therapist, Tess Peters. The summit begins July 10 at the Geneseo Community Center from 4:30 to 5:30 pm.

02/29/2024

Meet Emmalyn Paul, IBCLC, CLS, with Milk Guide!

From a young age, Emmalyn knew she wanted to work with mothers and babies. She originally planned to become a nurse but ended up studying psychology and Hispanic studies in college.

While in college, Emmalyn found her passion for lactation work and began shadowing an IBCLC and Family Nurse Practitioner. Emmalyn became a CLS (Certified Lactation Specialist) in June 2021 and earned her IBCLC certfication in December 2023.

She is continuing her education so she can provide the highest quality of care to her clients, and plans to earn a certification in Perinatal Mental Health. Emmalyn's passion is helping mothers and their babies, especially in her community in central Illinois.

Emmayn is available for in-person appointments in central Illinois or virtual appointments for clients in other locations. Head to the link in our bio to schedule.

We're so glad to have Emmalyn on the Milk Guide team!

01/02/2024

Check out this year's stats! So thankful for the team that has come together to serve the women in our area!

12/06/2023

12/05/2023

Come see Sandy and learn about fire cider!