BirthSpirit - About Us

Jan Wolfenberg, CPM, LM

I am an apprentice-trained direct-entry 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. In addition, I am licensed by the state of Wisconsin.

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.

Jan encourages Rachael
during her labor with her first baby.

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. 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 375 births in various capacities; the breakdown of these is as follows:

Intended Out-of-Hospital births as primary/co-primary midwife: 207
Intended Out-of-Hospital births as primary assistant to the midwife: 92
Hospital births as doula/professional labor support person: 65
Birth-center births as an observer (1998): 16
Primary clients transported to hospital during labor: 31
Percentage of those labor transports that involved first labors: 78%
Primary clients transported to hospital during immediate postpartum (for mother or baby): 3
Waterbirths: 75

I have been married for 32 years and am the mother of 3 children, 2 of whom where born at home, and grandmother to 1 homeborn grandson!

Jan and her grandson Maxx, 8 months old

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 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.

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This is Jan with her goddaughter Khadacha,
who was born at home with her in September 2005

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STUDENTS

PAMELA RHODES

Before the changes in the laws of Wisconsin pertaining to Licensed Midwives (LM) occurred, I was contented 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 have brought changes in the direction of my life. I am currently studying to take the NARM exam to be a CPM and be licensed in Wisconsin as a primary care midwife. At this time I have a temporary permit to practice under the direction and observation of a Wisconsin-Licensed Midwife.

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. During the past 17 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 a newborn. As of May 2007, I have attended a little over 460 births. I maintain certification in Neonatal Resuscitation and Adult CPR.

In order to provide quality care, I need to be teachable and willing to learn from others with more experience. 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.