Journey To Midwifery

Geneva shares her journey to midwifery that was inspired by her own childbirth experience. She shares her stories of juggling motherhood, getting her midwifery education and LIFE! She has a book and a course linked below...www.genevamontano.com@genevamontanomidwife IGhttps://a.co/d/fb1mOoY

Dr. Lonnie Morris, ND, CNM, is a midwifery trailblazer who has dedicated her career to advocating for women, advancing maternal health, and empowering families. She attended 7,000 births across her 45 year career. Join us as we dive into her inspiring path, the lessons she's learned, and the wisdom she has to share with midwives everywhere.Connect with Lonnie instagram: @lmcnmRecommended in the show: Nobody Told Me That by Ginger Breedlove

Deborah is a midwife, mother of 6, and grandmother who describes herself as "a birth junkie from birth!" Her journey to midwifery started as a young child who was magnestized to helping mothers and babies, then was refined across decades of supporting friends and family through their own pregnancies, births, and postpartum events. She is passionate about home birth, informed consent, and having authentic relationships with her clients and families that extend to friendships well after the babies are born. Her story traverses across the US and back a number of times as she completed midwifery training and found her place to put roots down for her own home birth practice in Southern Utah - Aravah Midwifery. Join us for another heartwarming hour of laughter, storytelling, wisdom, and of course, a journey to midwifery. Mentioned in this episode:- Birth with Insight | https://www.birthwithinsight.com/index.html | Marcy Kuntz, LDEM- Midwife to Be training | https://midwifetobe.com/- Three Rivers Midwifery | Cindy Wylie, CNM | https://www.threeriversmidwifery.com/- Mercy in Action Midwifery School | https://www.mercycollegeofmidwifery.edu/- Book: Anti-D Explained by Sarah Wickham | https://www.sarawickham.com/anti-d/sara w book- Aravah MIdwifery | https://www.aravahmidwifery.com/

Annetra shares her journey to midwifery and choice to settle at the The Midwife Center for Birth & Women's Health in Pittsburgh, PA. She shared a great resource for midwife students of color to find a mentor. Here's the link for that. https://blackmidwivesalliance.org/

Nalah Morrow, CNM is a new grad that traversed Minnesota, Arizona, and Nevada to get her midwifery training completed at Bethel University in Minnesota (all while commuting from her home in California). Nalah was set to become a veterinarian, but after a brief trip to labor and delivery to assist a friend in labor, felt the calling to become a nurse-midwife. Nalah speaks frankly about her training, her fellowship at GWU and her next steps post-fellowship: back to California to join a birth center practice! Find Nalah on instagram @MidwifeNalah Links from the show: Nurse Pocket Prep app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nursing-pocket-prep/id1501741725 EngagED Midwife prep course: https://delivered.learnworlds.com/home Bethel University:  https://www.bethel.edu/graduate/academics/nurse-midwifery/

Dr. Mickey Sperlich shares her journey as a CPM that recognized during home birth care that women were struggling with something that was unseen. She started asking questions as a CPM and her questions led to a concurrent career of research and trauma-informed care, and ultimately, a PhD to continue building out this area. Her work includes a book called Survivor Moms and a psychoeducational training program called Survivor Moms Companion. Contact Mickey at: University of Buffalo: https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/faculty-research/full-time-faculty/msperlic.html Email contact: msperlic@buffalo.edu Book: Survivor Moms Website: https://survivormoms.org/ Enroll to be a trainer/tutor: https://growingforwardtogether.enrollware.com/schedule Other resources:National Center for PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/ The National Center for Trauma Informed-CareComplete list of resources is here: https://survivormoms.org/public-resources/

Dr. Michelle Collins CNM has been a midwife for 22 years and is currently the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health at Loyola University in New Orleans, LA. In this episode, we talk about Michelle's journey and experiences as a CNM, as well as how she started a nurse-midwifery program at Loyola in 2023. If you are an aspiring midwife, and looking for a university, take a listen as Michelle offers in-depth information on Loyola's program. (Hint--it sounds fantastic!!) Here's the link for more information on Loyola's Nurse-Midwifery program https://www.loyno.edu/academics/colleges/college-nursing-health/master-science-nursing-nurse-midwifery

Brandi graduated in 2023 and took her boards in 2024 after having a baby and taking time off for her family. She shares her journey to midwifery as well as her struggles to land a job after taking a much-needed break between school and boards. The discussion Brandi and I have is, are child bearing women being punished in the job market because of taking time off for their family?? Listen to Brandi's story and find out! Links Brandi mentioned: The Ultimate Survivor Guide for New Midwives https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Survival-Guide-New-Midwives/dp/0578500175 Real Deal Nurse Practitioner Club https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-deal-nurse-practitioner-club/id1552285929 The Engaged Midwife exam prep and podcast https://deliveredexamprep.com/the-engaged-midwife-podcast/ CREOGS over coffee https://creogsovercoffee.com/

Join Jamie Guertin from A Midwife Nation for our latest episode with Lisa Miller, CNM, JD - that's right - Lisa went to law school shortly after graduating from midwifery school and says law school made her a better midwife! Tune in for all sorts of nuggets and wisdom about the many intersections between law and midwifery. Don't miss this episode! https://prmes.com/about-lisa/

Rose Watson-Ormond is a certified nurse-midwife based in Saxapahaw, North Carolina. She recently opened a home birth practice called Haw River Midwifery to serve her community. Her story is inspiring and she offers wisdom about being a doula, choosing a midwifery school, opening a home birth practice, balancing family and midwifery and the importance of focusing on sustainability with "eyes wide open!" Show notes: Home birth practice: Haw River Midwifery Book recommendation: Feed the Baby: An Inclusive Guide to Nursing, Bottle-Feeding, and Everything In Between Yale Midwifery Program - RN to MSN in 3 years: Graduate Entry Pre-Specialty in Nursing (GEPN) Home Birth Course: Empowering Midwifery

Dana has been a midwife for over 30 years and has many words of wisdom to offer while sharing her story. It's always so insightful to learn and hear the stories of "seasoned" midwives! Dana also wanted to share in the podcast that her friend and colleague from Windy Hill Midwifery, located in North Central Wisconsin, near Wasau is looking for experienced midwives, student midwives, and semi-retired midwives who are passionate about providing high-quality care and making a positive impact on our community. She can be reached at thestorkflysopportunity@gmail.com  You can also check on Dana's very own podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/31eQBV6lUHwW9qZRHIYWKn?si=8f1143b9b9064c0c

Guest host Jamie Guertin from A Midwife Nation talks with James Austen, CNM. As a new grad CNM, Austin stumbled upon the gold mine of midwifery residencies at El Rio Health in Tucson, AZ. Listen to her valuable experiences to see if a midwife residency after graduation may be the right step for you.

Carol is another wonderful trailblazing midwife that has spent her career in the North Eastern part of the United States. She has not only done birth work, but blazed the trail for midwives to practice legally in her area. She has also participated in birth internationally and has written 2 books! She is enjoying retired life in the woods of Maine now, but all midwives today are thankful for women like Carol who have pathed the way for those of us practicing today. An American Midwife in Moscow (you tube link) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3GA5bsrMEk Books: Lady's Hands, Lion's Heart: A Midwife's Saga  Bad Beaver Tales: Love and Life in Downeast Maine

Haley is not our typical guest on Journey to Midwifery, but she an amazing and wonderful perspective on having OT's (occupational therapists) as part of the prenatal/postpartum practice model for midwives. Hayley currently works with midwives at Tree of Life Midwifery for some fantastic collaborative care for their clients. Check this episode out...guest hosted by Jamie from A Midwife Nation (thank you Jamie) and listen to this wonderful, passionate discussion about how to continue to support pregnancy and postpartum care.

Jamie from A Midwife Nation is the guest podcast host again, interviewing Jamie Peleaz CNM who works at a birth center in TN (linked below) AND is faculty and the midwifery program at Loyola University (linked below). Jamie has lots of wisdom that she offered along the way and she has worked in quite a few places in the past 5 years. Jamie's sister Samantha Lawson was on in 2019-here is her podcast link as well https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/nF5jfGhiNGb Streams of Life Birth Center https://www.streamsoflifebirthandwellness.com/ Loyola University Midwifery Program https://www.loyno.edu/academics/colleges/college-nursing-health/master-science-nursing-nurse-midwifery

Megan Frank, who is a very recent graduate and a SOON to be Certified Nurse Midwife shares her very tumultuous journey as a midwife student. I encourage ANY one looking into midwifery to listen to this episode to understand the realities of what happens during the graduate program. Megan is happy to be done and excited to start working as a CNM, but it was a hard road for her to get there. Thank you to Megan for sharing her VERY real story

Jamie from A Midwife Nation is a guest host again with Diane Thomas, retired CNM. Diane is a prior collage of both Jamie and I and had LOTS of mentorship to offer when Jamie and I came through, she as a brand new midwife, and I was a student. Diane shares her journey and long-time career of about 30 years before retiring. Be prepared to CRY as Diane shares two of her most memorable birth stories!!

Kelli shares her journey to midwifery and starting in a practice with no other midwives, the challenges, and growth of that practice and what it is today. She offers some great advice for midwives that may be the first in a practice with only doctors, for midwives starting in a busy practice and for student's.

Enjoy this fabulous interview, with Cynthia Jaffe, who is now retired after a long and rewarding career. This interview is done by guest host Jamie Guertin, founder of A Midwife Nation. Thanks to both for a another fantastic podcast episode.

Silvia Esparza, CNM runs a solo out of hospital birth practice in Texas. She shares her journey to midwifery from active duty Navy corpsman to full scope practicing midwife today!

Laura Denman is a midwife in the Seattle Washington area, who shares her journey and insight over her 36+ years career in midwifery.

Rebecca Feldman is the owner and practices at Brooklyn Parent Support, a practice specializing in pregnant and postpartum mental health. She shares her journey to and through midwifery and how every piece of that journey led to her being prepared for her practice she has today. https://brooklynparentsupport.com/

If you love research, this is the podcast for you! Judy has had a long, rewarding career with the last 20 years spent doing research, in particular with the benefits of delayed cord clamping. Judy is a brilliant woman with so much going on in her mind, she is fascinating! Here's a link that lists the many articles Judith has published: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Judith-Mercer

Cynthia shares her journey to midwifery that happened later in life at age 47, after she had raised and homeschooled her 8 children. I love Cynthia's story that says it's OK to wait! Midwifery will be here when you are your life are ready! She also shares how her midwifery colleagues and her share a birth co-op, super neat concept!  http://www.wichitabirths.com/cynthia-barger-cpm1.html

Nancy is a CPM in North Carolina who has been practicing the art of midwifery since the 1970's. She has worked for families and advocated for midwifery for all those years. We talk in depth about business and owning a birth center and the legalities of midwifery in North Carolina. 

Meg, CNM who is currently spending her retired years in North Carolina discusses her long career of over 40+ years as a midwife. She has cared for such a diverse population in the United States. She has done everything from birth, to family planning, to abortion care. She has some beautiful insights looking back at her career that we have the pleasure of hearing from her story. Thank you Meg for sharing your experiences and thoughts with this community!

Elizabeth "Liz" Munoz, CNM on to the podcast today to share her journey to midwifery from being in theatre as an actress, to feeling a change inside of her after seeing "The Business of Being Born." Liz shares her journey through school, her career past, current and really awesome FUTURE endeavors (yay for new schools of midwifery opening up!!). Finally, we talk about the birth of her own children and how they played a role in her practice as a midwife.

Christine shares her journey to midwifery from RN to CPM, and now educator along with continuing her home-birth practice. Here are links to the websites she discussed: http://www.purebirthmidwifery.com/ https://www.carolinabirthjunkies.com/

Sarah Thompson is the author of the book, Functional Maternity - Using Functional Medicine and Nutrition to Improve Pregnancy and Childbirth Outcomes. ​​She brings over 20 years of experience working directly with medical doctors in the fields of Pain Management, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and advanced studies in both Acupuncture and Functional Medicine. In this podcast she shares some pieces of her VAST knowledge toward prenatal nutrition and functional medicine. Sarah's book is a must-read and I hope you can enjoy a little sneak peak of what you'll learn in her book by listening to the podcast episode. https://www.sacredvesselacupuncture.com/ www.functionalmaternity.com.

Kelly and Tiffany from Beautiful One Midwifery, based out of San Diego discuss their journey into midwifery and lots of talk about how they run their business sustainably and have an actual work/life balance as homebirth midwives FREE Roadmap to Sustainable Midwifery guide: https://beautifulonemidwifery.mykajabi.com/roadmap-to-sustainability Beautiful One Midwifery Website: https://www.beautifulonemidwiferysandiego.com/

Lisa's journey to midwifery started in the 1950's which many turns along the way. She went from an informal "lay" midwife to eventually a CNM in the hills of North Carolina. Lisa shares her story to get her history recorded after several strokes and some memory loss. Her story is amazing and inspiring, and I am honored that she chose this platform to share it with everyone. Happy 76th Birthday on 2/25 to Lisa! Link to Lisa's website https://www.lisasremedies.com/about

Arielle is a CNM in Connecticut and shares her journey of how she got tired of watching women treated in labor "by the rules" and wanted to provide care with autonomy. She is now at a wonderful collaborative practice that is fully supportive of midwifery care and patient choice

Cheryl is Certified Professional Midwife in Colorado and owner of Your Thriving Pregnancy (links below). Cheryl shares her journey and career path that has now culminated into starting Your Thriving Pregnancy, a fantastic online resource for pregnant families! Listen to hear more! Links: This is the link to the app and the Your Thriving Pregnancy Roadmap: Free 5 week Challenge: http://onelink.to/yourthrivingpreg (This link will take them to the web, Apple, or Google Play Store depending on their device) They can also find out more about us here: https://yourthrivingpregnancy.com/ Instagram: Your Thriving Pregnancy (@yourthrivingpregnancy) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Your Thriving Pregnancy | Facebook

Belinda Lashea is a Certified Nurse Midwife, a Direct Entry Midwife and a PHD candidate. She is a faculty member at ECU in North Carolina, runs an herbology business and is practicing and a director of a birth center. Belinda has a journey to midwifery that is literally from the ground up. She was a teen mother, living in poverty, unable to buy groceries, and now has a voice in midwifery as a leader, she is an expert in so many subjects and is a doctoral candidate.  https://www.facebook.com/bearrootmidwife/ IG @bearrootmidwife 

This episode is with Angela Lugiano who is a retired CNM with over 40 years of experience in birth work. She shares her journey and many words of wisdom along the way. I hope you will take the time to hear the advice and story of an experienced midwife. (This is an updated and re-recorded version of Angela's journey, if her story sounds familiar to you.)

This episode is with Pamela, a CNM that has been in practice for 18 years. She shares her journey, her experiences, and resources available to her community for both clients and midwives. Check it out!

In this episode I get to talk with Heather, who was born and raised on Scotland and has been a practicing registered midwife for over 7 years. She and I talk about her journey, the differences of midwifery pathway and practice in the U.K versus the U.S, and some talk of the massive midwife shortage happening in the U.K. It was super fun to have this chat with Heather!

Jessica is a Certified Professional Midwife in Anchorage, Alaska and co-founder of the Pacific Birth Institute created to train birth assistance. This episode IS about Jessica's journey, or her call to midwifery, but also about the dynamics of midwifery education and salary, some of the thoughts behind maternal mortality and morbidity and lots about community birth care. (there are a few curse words in here, just a few...in case you need to know that) Links below mentioned in the show: https://pacificbirthinstitute.com/ Use the code “JOURNEY “ for 10% off! https://www.facebook.com/pacificbirthinstitute https://www.instagram.com/pacificbirthinstitute/?hl=en

Marielle Tomlin is a CNM practicing in rural Lancaster PA. She is the new sole owner of WomanKind Midwifery and is venturing her first year of practice AND business ownership! She shares her journey to midwifery and how she balances life with a busy homebirth practice with upwards of 15-20 births a MONTH! Here are links to her social media pages as well. Marielle is on a mission to spread the word and beauty of physiologic birth. https://www.facebook.com/womankindmidwiferyllc IG: @SimplyMamaLLC TikTok SImplyMamaLLC

Deidre DeGrado is a wife, mother, and Certified Professional Midwife practicing in the Wichita Kansas area. Deidre shares her calling to midwifery with a passionate and powerful story. She has been in the world of midwifery for over 30 years! 

This episode is with Dr. Stephanie Mitchell, CNM, DNP and very soon to be CPM. She is on Instagram as @doctor_midwife. Stephanie interviewed originally in Dec 2019 sharing her Journey to Midwifery...you should definitely go check that interview out, it's under "REPLAY..." This episode is an update on Stephanie's journey over the last 24 months and how she has moved from Boston to Alabama, taken steps to get her CPM licensure and open a free-standing birth center in Alabama, AND written a book! She's been busy! Birth Sanctuary IG page....go to make donations! https://instagram.com/the.birth.sanctuary?utm_medium=copy_link IG page for @doctor_midwife https://instagram.com/doctor_midwife?utm_medium=copy_link Link for Stephanie's book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/164876200X?maas=maas_adg_7DEAC3B1E36A6B1DACAF4B72F1686CA5_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas

Carolyn is a CNM with a long history of midwifery and birth work, dating back into the 1970. She has part in theicipated writing of Varney's Midwifery, she has been in clinical practice, has taught and led the midwifery program at Georgetown, and is currently the owner and instructor of Ultrasound for Midwives--an excellent course offering both didactic and hands-on skills for midwives. Check out the episode and links below to ultrasound course website. https://www.ultrasoundformidwives.com/about-1

Megan Gross is a CNM in Dubuque Iowa that owns her own practice specializing in fertility care, hormone balancing and much more. In this episode, Megan shares her journey and why she loves having her own practice. We chat about midwifery, motherhood, kids and more. This was a super fun "coffee date" chat with Megan and I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed chatting.

This week's episode is with Angela Lugiano, a long time practicing CNM who is enjoying her retirement now! She shares her journey to midwifery, with all of the joys and struggles along the way. I hope you enjoy!

Astrid is a Certified Professional Midwife practicing midwifery in the paradise community of SteamBoat Springs, CO. She also is a teacher of herbal medicine and has a Women's Herbal Gathering retreat coming up very soon (see links below). Astrid shares her journey to midwifery and how herbal medicine plays a role in her every day life and practice as a midwife. Astrid's website: www.astridgrove.com Link to the Herbal Women's Retreat: www.redearthherbalgathering.com For cottonroot bark tincture: https://www.wishgardenherbs.com

Sharon shares her Journey to Midwifery that starts in Alabama and will come full circle back to Alabama! What is up with Midwifery care in Alabama?? Take a listen to this episode to hear some insights into that. Sharon is currently the Chief Director of the Midwifery program at Bay State but has some big future plans to improve Midwifery care in Alabama! She also shares some great words of wisdom she has gained from her many years of practice and in Midwifery education. Thank you Sharon! (**Please note the error in my opening statement, Bay State is NOT a University, it would be correctly stated as "Bay State Medical Center") Here's a link to more information about Sharon: https://www.baystatehealth.org/education-research/education/umms-baystate-campus/academic-departments/obstetrics-gynecology/holley For those of you who asked me, If you want to donate to the podcast, here's a venmo link: @amber-wilson-315

Bethany Arrington is a Certified Nurse Midwife and owner of Genesis Birth and Wellness, a home-birth practice in Greenville, South Carolina. She is currently the only black-owned home-birth practice in her area, and very proud of that fact! She shares her Journey to Midwifery and her lessons learned opening a home-birth practice. Link to Bethany's website: https://genesisbirthandwellness.com/ IG: @Genesisbirthandwellness Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Genesis-Birth-and-Wellness-109077667638359

Want to take a trip around the world and practice Midwifery? Take a listen to Kristine's Journey to Midwifery and her amazing career in humanitarian work. She shares stories of traveling with her young son, living the life of a humanitarian midwife and her recent work with Doctors without Boarders. A link to Kristine's Blog: https://midwifewithoutboundaries.wordpress.com/ A link to Doctor's Without Boarders to learn more about careers as a midwife with them: https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/careers/work-overseas/find-role/midwives

Mari-Carmen Farmer, MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC works in Philadelphia as a midwife. She shares her 22 year long journey to midwifery, entangled with working, motherhood, growing her family and the loss of a child. Mari-Carmen continues her work in anti-racism and inclusion in birth work, and shares her philosophy and perspective on this subject, as well as some projects she is doing to advocate this work within the community. If you are interested in learning more about Mari-Carmen's work you can email her at midwifeymaestra@gmail.com or find her on IG @mc_mama_osa https://www.instagram.com/mc_mama_osa/

Sukey Krause, MSN, CNM, FACNM is the Director of the Midwifery Education Program at Baystate Medical Center and Assistant Professor, UMass Medical School. She shares her journey to midwifery and her thoughts on midwifery education and WHY we need MORE education programs, as well as ideas on how to get that going! If you work for an academic medical center and want to get a midwifery program started, this is a great episode for you!

Catherine is a retired CNM with a varied career in hospital, home birth, a military career and motherhood. She offers insight and lessons learned through her journey to midwifery and throughout midwifery. Listening to experienced midwives is a great lesson for all of us newer to the career, and I'm so thrilled she was willing to share her story. She also creates some beautiful pregnancy glass art work now and you can find her on @cjonescnm at IG, I will also be sharing some of her artwork on my page as well.