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Jan
Wolfenberg, CPM, LM
I am an apprentice-trained traditional midwife. I have undergone the certification process of the North American Registry of Midwives, and received my certification as a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) in September of 2001. This credential qualified me to become a Wisconsin Licensed Midwife in April of 2007, the first date when such licensing was available. My state license number is 6-049.
My formal education includes a Bachelor of Science degree from Valparaiso University (1975) and post-graduate studies in Homeopathy, Anatomy & Physiology, Pathology, and Spanish.
I
discovered my calling to work in childbirth during my first pregnancy
in1978. From that time forward, while also having and raising
my own children, I attended various workshops and training courses
to become certified in childbirth education and labor assisting.
My certification in these areas is through the Association of
Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE). After my own
two homebirths (1983, 1987), I made the decision to become a midwife
and began pursuing education toward that end, mainly through independent
study.
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Jan
encourages Rachael
during her labor with her first baby.
   
"For a woman and her baby to do the birth dance the woman needs to be able to wriggle and squat and arch and open. It is primal. Most babies were created in a primal way and it's primal work and pleasure for them to be helped by their mother to emerge earthside. Sisters, celebrate your beautiful powerful bodies, spiral your hips and birth your babies with pride. Attendants dance with them. It's a privilege."
~Invisible Midwives
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We
moved to Buffalo, NY in 1988, where I studied the science of homeopathic
medicine for several years; I co-founded and led a study group
on that fascinating subject, and eventually began consulting with
clients seeking homeopathic care. From 1988 to 1992, I ran a small sewing business out of my home, making cotton children's pajamas - I called it Janjammies. I also became a La Leche League
Leader and assistant manager of a large health food store.
Finally,
in 1992, I began training to be a midwife through the traditional
method of apprenticeship with experienced midwives. I apprenticed
for over 6 years, working with at least 6 different midwives in
various capacities. In October and November of 1998, I spent 7
weeks in El Paso, Texas at a busy birth center, acquiring additional
intensive experience. After my return from Texas, I assisted another
midwife for a year before I began practicing independently.
I
have been attending births since 1992 and practicing as a primary
midwife since 2000. To date, I have attended over 555 births in
various capacities; the breakdown of these is as follows:
-
Intended
Out-of-Hospital births as primary/co-primary midwife: 352
-
Intended
Out-of-Hospital births as primary assistant to the midwife: 120
-
Hospital
births as doula/professional labor support person: 70
-
Birth-center
births as an observer (1998): 16
- Primary clients (mother or baby) transferred to a hospital during the period between 37 wks of pregnancy and 1 wk postpartum: 71
- Primary clients transported to the hospital DURING labor: 53
- Percentage of those labor transports that involved first labors: 80%
- Primary clients (mother or baby) transported to the hospital in the immediate postpartum: 6
- Waterbirths: 145
I
have been married for 36 years and am the mother of 3 grown children,
2 of whom where born at home, and grandmother to 2 grandchildren, 1 of whom was born at home and into my hands!

Dancing with my grandson Maxx, 2 years old, at my daughter's wedding reception
I
hold current certification in both adult and infant CPR as well
as neonatal resuscitation. I am an active member of the Wisconsin
Guild of Midwives, the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives, the CARE Network of Milwaukee, and the Midwive's Alliance of North America.
I continue my study of midwifery in order to remain current on
all things childbirth, and in August 2006 spent a week at The Farm in
Tennessee (home of Ina May Gaskin, author of Spiritual Midwifery),
participating in the Advanced Midwifery Workshop held there yearly.
In
addition to being a midwife, I am a wellness consultant, specializing
in homeopathy, nutritional/ herbal supplementation, and the body-mind
connection. I also coordinate a small natural-foods buyer's club
out of my home.
ASSISTANTS
PAMELA
RHODES, CPM, LM
I
am not a doctor or a nurse but I am a professional caregiver.
My education has been personal, not formal and is on-going. I
have educated myself in the practices of midwifery through a variety
of textbooks on birth, anatomy, physiology, breastfeeding, and
through hands-on experience at the elbow of three senior midwives.
Before
the changes in the laws of Wisconsin pertaining to Licensed Midwives
(LM) occurred, I was content to just be an assistant, and do
primary care for those who sought out my services. Having a family
with 4 children (3 born at home) and a part-time job was enough.
However the changes in the law brought changes in the direction
of my life. I pursued and achieved my Certified Professional Midwife credential through the North American Registry of Midwives, which allowed me to also become a Licensed Midwife in the state of Wisconsin.
During the past 22 years, I have been active in midwifery, both
as an assistant and a primary care giver. I have witnessed and
aided in the resolving of complications during the prenatal period,
in labor, at birth, of the newborn, and post-partum. I have handled
transports of mothers before delivery, and of a newborn. I maintain certification
in Neonatal Resuscitation and Adult CPR.
I am honored to partake
in the personal details of prenatal care, birth, and the sacred
life passage of newborns. I hold in high esteem the calling of
midwifery and will always do my best to keep homebirth safe. I
can best do this by staying skilled and up-to-date in my training,
knowing my limitations, and communicating clearly with clients.
I believe in preventative care, and that a keen observation and
thoughtful assessment of mom and baby are the best ways to manage
situations and will lead to the best medical, spiritual, and emotional
outcome for all involved. I count it an honor to be working with
Jan.

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