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PHILOSOPHY

 

I believe birth is a natural physiological process that when nurtured, but otherwise left alone, will function beautifully. I am very aware that as a midwife, complications in birth need to be managed; however, as a rule I do not believe that normal birth must be "managed." As a Christian, I believe that God created the woman's body to powerfully and wonderfully bring forth children. Through the years, I have watched and assisted in this process with awe and respect. I believe this is the most incredible physical event we experience. Next to God and my family, there is nothing that gives me more satisfaction. I will try my best to be what you need; to give you support, love, time, information and skilled midwifery care. I believe midwifery to be a "calling" and feel blessed to have the gift of midwifery in my life.

 

PERSONAL INFORMATION

 

I was born September 27, 1957 in Texas, but have been a resident of Oklahoma since I was a child. I have three wonderful children. Russell Paul (my firstborn), was born at home in 1975 when I was 17 years old with two lay-midwives in attendance. I labored 12 hours, and he weighed 8 lb. 4 oz. Stephanie (2nd), weighing 7 lb.12 oz. was born in 1981 at Hillcrest Medical Center following 24 hours of failure to progress in a planned homebirth. I believe her posterior position, and the fall I had taken two days prior to the birth was responsible for the failure to progress. Clayton (last, but definitely not least) was born in 1983 at home with midwives attending. He weighed 9 lb. 6 oz. and I labored for 9 hours. I was actively catching babies through my last two pregnancies. I have 6 grandbabies! I was honored to actually catch two of them. Grandchildren are such a gift, I am loving it! My family has been, and continues to be very supportive of my practice, especially when the hours get long and tiring. I have to give them credit for the many sacrifices they've made to supporting having a midwife for a mother. I am asked many times if I ever get tired of the job and I can honestly say I get tired, but never of the job. Midwifery is much of what defines who I am.

 

 

 

 

TRAINING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

 

In 1977, at the age of 19, I began my apprenticeship with my aunt, a lay-midwife of 10 years midwifery experience. I have served in the Tulsa area since 1977, and much of my training began as "hands-on" experience. There are also countless hours of self-study and research. However, in 1997 I began my formal education towards a degree in nurse midwifery.

 

 

Current Certifications/License:

· Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) -

 American College of Nurse Midwives

· Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) .

 Midwives Alliance of North America

Past:

· Masters of Science in Nursing Degree -

Nurse Midwifery at State University of New York 2002 - 2005

· Bachelor's Degree - Northeastern State University (2001-2002)

· Associates Degree Nursing - Tulsa Community College (1997 - 2001)

· Associates Degree Liberal Arts - Tulsa Community College (1997 - 2001)

· Certified Professional Midwife w/ North American Registry of Midwives (1997)

· Certified Senior Midwife w/ Oklahoma Midwives Alliance (1985-2005)

· Nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician (1983-1989)

· Certified in CPR (adult and infant) 1983 thru present

· Neonatal Resuscitation Program (2005 - present)

· Intensive Midwifery studies with Maternity Center in El Paso, TX (1977-1983)

· Neonatal Symposium - St. John's (1986)

· 18 months apprenticeship (1977-1978)

 

I have fulfilled continuing education hours in some form every year since 1983.

 

 

Current Midwifery Organizations:

MANA, OMA, ACNM, NARM

Positions Served:
Midwives Alliance of North America (regional rep.) 1987-1989

Oklahoma Midwives Alliance (OMA)

President (1985-1991)

Secretary (1991-1993

Treasurer (1993-1995)

Apprentice Academics State Coordinator (1988-1993)

Secretary of OMA (1991-1993)

State Coordinator for Apprentice Academics (1988-1993)

Board Member of North American Registry of Midwifery (NARM) 2006

Statistics:

Birth statistics include only births I was the primary midwife for (hospital transports not included in these stats).

Birth experiences as of January 1, 2009

Total number of births attended (as primary midwife): 1603

In an average year I transport less than 6% of my clients/or babies to the hospital for various complications.

 

For more information read my Client Packet.

 

 

 

 

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