Midwife Elke Barnes

04/14/2026

By popular demand, here is Day 1 of my trip to Cozumel, Mexico as a traveling midwife. I have traveled for births almost every year to Mexico, mostly to serve US or European families living there and wanting a wholistic, safe birth and a midwife from their culture. Birth options are very limited in Mexico in most places.
SO MUCH to share, this will be a series. So buckle up and enjoy the adventure and learn about midwifery and the beautiful places and people I serve!

04/02/2026

It’s sad, but true that many people don’t feel that they can be honest with their pediatrician due to feeling like they’re being judged or even straight out being refused care. I know pediatricians that refused to take on babies that were born in the water. (??!!). Vaccinations is another big one. Of course. But I just like to know how many of you lie to your pediatricians. I think pediatricians have no idea how they’ve eroded trust with a big segment of the general public by imposing practices on people that don’t align with their values.

03/16/2026

These stats are out of Australia, but I’m pretty sure ours here would be similar. Private midwives will want you to go into labor naturally as long as you don’t have any risk factors. Spontanous labors are so much faster and straightforward!!

Spontaneous vaginal birth is associated with the best outcomes for mothers and babies. To which all the independent/private midwives say.....DUH.

Evidence shows that who provides your care might be the biggest predictor of your outcomes.

Private OBs had startlingly low rates of spontaneous labour,(8.2%) whereas private midwives had the highest (82.3%).

Stats out of Australia

02/12/2026

Just a few lovely placentas that supported our babies perfectly until birth. Placentas are beautiful! And, no, they don’t expire at 40 weeks!

01/25/2026

Common misconception is that cutting and clamping the cord is an important thing to do right after the babies born. It’s actually not. It can actually be harmful. If not done properly, it can cause a life-threatening infection to the baby. Also, it cuts off 1/3 of baby’s blood supply if clamped immediately. The umbilical cord is a lifeline for several minutes after the babies born where they continue to get oxygen and nutrients. So if you’re giving birth alone, just know that you don’t have cut the cord for hour or ever if you don’t want. FOLLOW for more education on giving birth safely without a trained birth attendant.

01/25/2026

This series is for people who are pregnant and due to have their baby soon but are worried they won’t make it to the hospital in time or they don’t have access to a healthcare provider.
Weather events, protests, washed out roads, road blockades, loss of insurance coverage and fear of paramilitary violence. These are things that are happening right now that are blocking access to care during labor/birth.
In the series, I plan to give you all kinds of DIY help for prenatal care and birth. I’ve lived and worked in the developing world where people don’t have access to care and I never expected this to happen in the US. But here we are .
Follow along for more and drop your questions in the comments!

10/06/2025

WE are THRILLED to announce that due to a change in State of Washington regulations, I am now able to offer VBAC in a freestanding birth center, The Birth Cottage in Enumclaw, WA. After decades of work for freedom in birth choices, this is a HUGE WIN for women and families in WA and beyond.
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Guidelines:
-1 previous cesarean
-Meets criteria for out of hospital delivery
-Self pay for the birth fee but we are able to bill private insurance for prenatal and postpartum care.
-Immediate openings available.
-DM for more info.

YES, you can even come here from another state to deliver.

09/09/2025

Let’s keep those OBs reeeaaally bored. :)

08/11/2025

Drop that b***y and get low. It’s the EASIEST way to prep your body for birth. It helps prevent tearing, leaking and stuck babies. And nobody wants those things!
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Super easy and FREE. Drop it down when watching TV, playing with kids or whenever you get the chance. (Oh yeah, i guess you could do them at the gym, too) But this is better than exercise. It’s LIFESTYLE. It one of the reasons women in the developing world have an easier time pushing out babies and MUCH lower rates of incontinence.
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Drop it down! Let me see those squats!!

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08/10/2025

Too many women fall for the trap of thinking a soaking tub, fairy lights and herbal tinctures will get them a beautiful birth.
They hire a doula, pick the prettiest birth location and watch a lot of reels thinking that’s all they need.
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So. Far. From. Reality.
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Having a great birth is all in the preparation.

-a well nourished body
-a “right” sized baby
-a strong yet supple core
- a pelvis that can open
-a nervous system that can chill

Some people come into pregnancy already with the skills. Others need help. That’s where I come in.

After 20 years of birth work and I know what makes or breaks it for having an amazing birth.
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Follow and comment here with your questions and I do my best to answer them!

07/10/2025

My private practice is now up and running. Now accepting new clients and I have some spots for late transfers. Home birth and birth center!

“Elke is an amazing, calming, supportive, knowledgeable and inspiring midwife. She was simply wonderful! We are so thankful for her experience and her guidance. Thank you so much, Elke!”