humble beginnings.
My journey into birthwork began with my first pregnancy and the care I received from midwives. It was after the birth of my second child in 2010 that I started my career as a doula and one year later began officially studying to become a midwife. Through many years of studying nutrition, healing through food, herbalism, grassroots movements, reproductive and birth justice, I traveled a path with all roads leading to this work. After completing a didactic midwifery program and apprenticing under a CNM, CPM, and Naturopath Doctor, where I attended over 150 births, I became a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM).®
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In addition to being a CPM, I hold a master's degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy and am a DC Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC). I have more than 15 years of experience in community organizing and reproductive heath and justice. I was honored by the Mayor of the District of Columbia with a "Washington Women of Excellence Award" in the Leader in Maternal Health and by National Coalition of 100 Black Women for with a Shes100 Award for maternal health. I am the Co-Chair for the DC Maternal Mortality Review Committee and I am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Human Services with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and Management.
I am the mother to three spirited and gentle children, one of whom was born at home and partner to an amazing visual artist. I find joy in hiking, visiting National Parks, vegan cooking, listening to music, audio books, and podcasts, and enjoying a good laugh. I am currently licensed in Maryland and Virginia and legally practice in Washington, DC. |
about CPMs & the Midwives Model of Care
Certified Professional Midwives (CPM)® are the only type of midwives trained to specialize in out-of-hospital care and receive intensive training, including academic study and in-depth apprenticeship over three to five years. CPMs are certified by the North American Registry of Midwives and practice according to the Midwives Model of Care (MMC). The MMC is one that honors the pregnant persons' innate ability to birth their baby. It provides one-to-one care while accounting for the psychosocial elements that affect the health of the pregnant person, the baby, and the family.
The MMC is based on the premise that birth is a safe and normative process of life for most low-risk people. Midwives refer to the childbearing person as a client to show that they have an active and collaborative role in their perinatal experience versus one that is passive and directive, implied by the use of the word "patient." In its essence, the Midwives Model of Care serves as an abstract for the definition of "normal pregnancy" and how the pregnancy experience should be viewed. It provides a guide by which practitioners can join with the pregnant person and their partner empowering them and providing a quality of care that aids in achieving their desired goals.
The MMC is based on the premise that birth is a safe and normative process of life for most low-risk people. Midwives refer to the childbearing person as a client to show that they have an active and collaborative role in their perinatal experience versus one that is passive and directive, implied by the use of the word "patient." In its essence, the Midwives Model of Care serves as an abstract for the definition of "normal pregnancy" and how the pregnancy experience should be viewed. It provides a guide by which practitioners can join with the pregnant person and their partner empowering them and providing a quality of care that aids in achieving their desired goals.
philosophy.
Pregnancy and birth are both normal and transformative experiences, and the knowledge to give birth is already present within. It is my duty to encourage the expectant person along the path of self-discovery, On that journey, we collaborate to explore physical, emotional, and spiritual changes, aiding you in a safe transition and honoring you as you traverse through this ancient rite of passage. I strongly believe in the birthing person and the family being informed. As your midwife, I honor your rights, ensuring that you remain centered in the experience every step of the way.
© 2019 Blue Sage Midwifery