Empowering Women & Their Families Through Childbirth
Heart Wisdom Midwifery
I am glad you are interested in having a home birth with a midwife. I have a deep respect for birth and am honored to serve women and their families during this important passage. I strongly believe that birth is a normal life process and that mothers and babies do best when they feel secure and supported. At home, you can surround yourself with your chosen team: the midwife, your partner, your family and your friends. As the midwife, I see my role as a guide, a facilitator of birth, and as an advocate for the woman, the couple and the family.
After attending over a thousand births as the primary midwife and practicing woman-centered midwifery care since 1984, I am familiar with all the faces of normal birth and can work to help establish an environment of openness and reverence for the birth process.
I support the midwifery model of care; which emphasizes a commitment to informed choice, continuity of individualized care and sensitivity to the emotional and spiritual aspects of childbearing. I will answer your questions and provide information so that you are well equipped to make informed decisions throughout our time together. My care includes monitoring the physical, psychological and social well being of the mother and child throughout the childbearing cycle.
Childbirth is a time in a woman's life that holds the power to forever transform and strengthen her. To honor and respect this time is what I hold sacred.
“As soon as we decided we wanted a home birth, we searched long and hard for the best Midwife that would guide us through the journey of giving life and becoming a family. We wanted someone who not only had the preparation, but who most importantly has the experience that had been passed on from other midwives; someone who would make us feel safe and loved. After many calls and interviews, we finally found Joan. We were in the best hands. We felt cared about, safe, accompanied and informed. Joan gave us unbiased information and shared her experience, but never pushed us to make any decision. She gave us all the time we needed and more throughout the pregnancies of both our boys. Joan offers a holistic approach that consists not only of the physical, but emotional aspects of the process, as well. They were both indescribable, yet beautifully amazing pregnancies, labors and births. We felt empowered and involved in the process of giving life from beginning to end and beyond. We are blessed to have had Joan guide, treat and accompany us through these spectacular life events. There really are no words to express our appreciation, except for the special bond we will always have with you. With love, The Zwick Family”