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

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