Birth at home, birth outside the hospital, full autonomous care with an experienced midwife…

A little about me…

I began my journey into midwifery in 2012 after the difficult birth of my 5th child in the public hospital in Puntareanas, Costa Rica. I started as labor support to the families my small town in Costa Rica on the Pacific coast. I have spent my time since supporting those I serve in their birth and life choices while doing independent studies and a formal apprenticeship in my journey to obstetric credentials with NARM.

To date (since 2013) I have attended (in 2 countries) more than 3000 prenatal and postpartum appointments, observed and assisted over 200 births, taught many personal and group classes childbirth education and feeding basics, and assisted numerous families with their lactation needs.
I am striving to bring access to home birth, personalized midwifery and obstetrical care, and patient led well care through community support to the families of Costa Rica.
As a community provider it will be my passion to bring local families together to support one another in their birth and parenting choices.

My education…

In 1998 I worked as an aquatic physical therapy assistant with developmentally disabled adults. I studied and trained in body mechanics.
I was trained, tested, certified, and employed as a nursing/geriatric nursing and ventilator tech assistant in 2000-2004.
I moved to Costa Rica in 2009-2014 and attended births there from 2012-2014.
I moved back to the US in 2014 and birthed my own 6th baby. I was also a gestational carrier (surrogate) through IVF and gave birth to a beautiful baby boy for a loving family in 2017.
In 2017 I trained, tested, and was certified to teach and assist with lactation and feeding through the ALPP and the Center For Healthy Children.
In 2018 I trained with ICEA to teach childbirth education and preparation.
I also trained in 2018 with Birth Monopoly for their “Know Your Rights” course to help birthing people understand their rights and help them to self advocate.
In 2018-2019 I trained and certified for my neonatal resuscitation provider certification, and CPR certification as required by NARM (North American Registry of Midwives)
I have (since 2016) taken trainings for birth body mechanics, nutrition, cultural awareness, and am self studying education in tropical herbal remedies, IUI, and menopausal health.
In February 2019 I began my formal apprenticeship seeking obstetric credentials through NARM.
In February 2020 I attended a “Helping Babies Breathe” seminar focusing on basic and emergent NRP skills for births with limited tools and/or assistance.
In July of 2020 I received my certificate in training to recognize and resolve shoulder dystocia during birth.

In July of 2020 I renewed my certification in adult CPR.

In October of 2020 I attended a training and hands on seminar for recognizing and handling breech birth safely.

In January 2022 I completed my NARM requirements and passed a board exam earning the credentials of CPM (certified professional midwife)

In October of 2022 I co-led a midwifery student trip to work in a maternity hospital in The Dominican Republic.

In December 2022 I renewed my NRP and CPR certifications.

In February 2023 I became a registered preceptor to accept and clinically teach student midwives through NARM.

In April 2023 I complete my Midwifery Bridge Certificate to equal Midwifery credentials set forth by MEAC.

In May 2023 I became an instructor for the “Helping babies breathe” course to be taught to medical and lay personnel in rural or underserved communities.

Midwifery and birth are my life’s calling and it is my great pleasure and privilege to walk families through this journey.

As a midwife in the US I serve families (mainly the plains/Amish communities) in rural Pennsylvania from March-December each year. I am currently open for clients located in Costa Rica during the months of January and February when I am home for 2 months.