Hello, Ladies! I just took a pregnancy test this morning and found out that we're expecting, again. We're as happy as can be! We're relatively new to the Vancouver area, so I'm wondering if anyone out there has recommendation for a good midwife who does homebirths in Vancouver? (I'd also be interested in any negative feedback--so I can make a more informed decision.) I am a licensed midwife, myself. Due to complications, my last baby was delivered in a hospital in Tacoma. Although it was a positive experience, I would really like to have this one at home, if possible. Any information at all would be much appreciated! Thank you.
My favorite midwife just teamed up with one of my best friends who I wanted desperately to be at my birth but she was already booked. Laurie and Kim are from http://www.nest-midwifery.com/ (Nest Midwifery) and I trust them with my life and my little one's health.
I would very very highly recommend A Gentle Beginning in Portland. I'm almost certain they do births in Vancouver but you might have to call and ask. They are truly an amazing home birth team! Also Mary Grabowska is very good. I didn't use her but i have friends who have and loved her! good luck with your new addition!
Well, I can highly recommend my midwife (I don't know if she is a Christian or not; I am, and she was very respectful of my beliefs). She's not in Vancouver, exactly, but she commutes all over the place, and I think she is licensed in WA as well. She's located in Gresham, OR. Her name is Katherine Zeiman. She delivered my second baby at home--in fact, that's all she normally does is home births. She's a naturopathic doctor that does family practice, so she is also my personal doctor and my children's pediatrician.
Just a comment on your first birth. I also prefer home birth (my daughter was born in a birth center, which is almost like a home birth), but if there were complications, I would soooo go to the hospital! My midwife made me sign a consent that if there were complications I would be willing to go to the hospital. I was like, "Isn't that kind of obvious?" and she was like, "You'd be surprised; there are people that want a home birth at all costs." So I applaud your decision to give birth in the hospital under the circumstances. I really appreciate how my midwife worked hard with me to minimize potential problems preventatively, rather than waiting for them to arise.
Check out "A Woman's Point of View Midwifery & Woman's Health" at http://www.mydwyf.com/. Madrona was our midwife twice and she was wonderful. She's located in Portland, but I would guess that she would travel to Vancouver for a birth. Good luck!
Vivante Midwifery is the only way to go: http://vivantemidwifery.com.
I am due any second now and after researching many local options am so excited and relieved to be delivering with them. Their prenatal care has been off-the-charts thorough and I have felt supported in every aspect of care. The group was founded by midwifery and homebirth pioneer Linda Glenn, who is also the Chair of Midwifery at OSHU and has trained midwives around the country. Vivante takes no risks and will only deliver you at home if you and baby are good candidates for a safe and easy homebirth. The slightest sign of complications and you are transferred to the hill (OSHU) where Linda and one of the other midwives keep privileges and have wonderful relationships with the peri-neonatal specialists. This was important to me because halfway through my pregnancy I found out I'd been living in a rental home with toxic mold. I needed to know if the mold spores had crossed my placenta, exposing the the baby to harmful toxins. The midwives called OSHU immediately and 5 peri-neonatal specialists weighed in. (Baby is fine, I was so relieved). I have my birthing tub ready and can't wait for my homebirth and my surgeon husband is excited too, as he knows I am in very skilled hands with strong connections at a highly respected hospital down the road should any complications arise. More info on Vivante founder Linda, but the ENTIRE team is wonderful and I will be happy to have ANY of them here to catch my baby this week! http://www.ohsu.edu/health/meet-our-staff/doctors/doctor....
I am sure that any of the Midwives at Andaluz water birth center can help you out. Their website is waterbirth.net I had Jesica Dolin and Esme Gregg and they were both wonderful. Also you can contact Birthingway College of Midwifery and they can help you too.
Hi O.,
Congratulations on your second birth! I am a birth doula, and have worked with the women at Andaluz, who also do home births. Andaluz has a new facility in your area. While I am not certain which midwives are out in Vancouver, vs. the ones near Portland I know that Jennifer Guillardo hires the best out there. I am confident that she could pair you with the right midwives for your personal needs. Good luck!
T. Nelson CD (DONA)
