River Valley Midwives

River Valley Midwives Philosophy

River Valley Midwives believes that pregnancy and birth are normal occurrences in the continuum of life. As midwives, we are the gatekeepers of the woman and family's experience. We know the power of women and their ability to give birth.

We believe that the single most important element of home birth is the building of trust. By choosing to birth in your own home, the power dynamic which is often prevalent in the hospital shifts. We, as your midwives, must humble ourselves to the service of attending your birth in your home. There are no territorial issues, thus empowering the woman and her family to set the tone for their experience.

We believe in guiding low-risk women through the process of pregnancy, birth and postpartum through encouraging optimum wellness. This holistic wellness may come in various forms from nutrition to childbirth education, or it may come through emotional counseling and spiritual support. We work together with other trusted practitioners, collaborating with physicians, hospital based midwives, acupuncturists, psychotherapists, chiropractors, homeopathic and naturopathic practitioners, massage therapists, herbalists, doulas and any other practitioners that the woman is involved with. We encourage and support the woman and family to surround themselves with those they love and trust.

"We believe in guiding low-risk women through the process of pregnancy, birth and postpartum through encouraging optimum wellness."

As midwives, we understand the power of relaxation and personal empowerment. This is why we support women in being free to explore a variety of creative birthing options such as water birth, birthing stools, birth positions like squatting, hands and knees or side lying. We strive to hold no preconceptions of how birth "should" take place. Measures such as music, candles, incense aromatherapy, sounding are welcomed. We know that it is our job to hold the sacred space for women, and that the core responsibility is with the mother as this is her personal journey.

Birth is the beginning of an even longer journey of parenthood. We support you through the transition from pregnant woman to nursing mother. Postpartum can be a very emotional time. We make ourselves available to women and families during this delicate time period.

And finally, we at River Valley Midwives know that it our chosen path to serve women, children and families. We are aligned in our destined work, and honor the whole process of each individual's journey.