BirthSpirit - About Us

ASSISTANTS

Falon Graff, RN

Trying to remember the exact moment or experience that sparked my interest in midwifery has been a daunting challenge for me. It seems, rather, that this unique calling has been ingrained in me since the beginning- more of a life obligation instead of a conscious choice.

I was raised by my father, which planted a curiosity in me about the relationship that mothers share with their children, especially with their daughters. This lead to sort of a “red tent” mentality which gave me a general interest in the nature of women, how we develop emotionally and physically and how we become mothers.

In middle school I found out that my best friend was born at home and I remember feeling an intense interest in the logistics of that. As I began to think about what I wanted to be when I grew up, I had no idea how I could be a part of the homebirth community or that there even WAS a population of people that gave birth at home, so I decided to pursue a degree in nursing. I assumed I would work in labor and delivery. I remember feeling surprised at my response when a friend asked me what I’d ultimately like to do with my life and I said, “I’d like to help women delivery their babies at home.” That was the first time I said it out loud and ultimately the moment in which I felt an official obligation to myself to look into the possibility.

In 2002 I found the CARE Network in Milwaukee and was introduced to a world of birth that I never knew existed. There WERE women who were choosing to birth at home, and midwives who were dedicated to helping them! The flood gates were opened for me. I began studying independently and learning all that I could about natural childbirth and how to become a midwife. Though I was on the path to becoming a nurse, it became more and more apparent to me that my true calling was to work with women in their homes, promoting a philosophy of trust and support surrounding birth.

In 2003, I attended a birth doula training through Doulas of North America and began attending births with Jan. Around the same time, I was also attending births in the hospital as part of my nursing program. The differences between home birth and hospital birth were stark to me and my belief in natural childbirth was strengthened, not only in regards to the health of mom and baby but also in terms of seeing birth as a tool that gives parents the confidence and strength needed for raising children. In 2004, I worked as a doula through the Doula Connection, a volunteer organization in Milwaukee that brought doula services to low-income women.

In 2005, I graduated from nursing school (no longer convinced I would work in labor and delivery) and moved to Guatemala with my partner to help run a Spanish language immersion school. While in Guatemala I was blessed to become involved with the lay midwives of the rural village where we lived. I was asked by a local health clinic to develop and implement a training course for the midwives to assist them in developing specific clinical skills. In doing this, I was given insight into their experience and culture that has ultimately helped me to become a better midwife myself.

I returned from Guatemala in the fall of 2007, pregnant with my own baby! I gave birth to my son, Homer, in April of 2008. He was born at home, with Jan as the attending midwife. The experience was transformative for me and served as yet another experience in my life that strengthened my belief in the importance of family centered childbirth with as few interventions as possible.

To date I have attended 50 births, in a variety of roles. I currently hold a temporary midwifery license through the state of Wisconsin which allows me to attend births under the supervision of another licensed midwife. I am in the process of completing the Portfolio Evaluation Process through The North American Registry of Midwives in order to complete my midwifery training, with Jan as my designated preceptor.

I feel fulfilled in my work serving women during some of the most transformative and intimate moments of their lives. It is important to me that we continue to fight for our rights as women to have full experiences that, when allowed, can shape and mold us into our whole selves, strong and wise.

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 18 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. As of June 2008, I have attended over 486 births. 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.

Tehmina Islam, Student Midwife

I have been a student midwife since September 2007, attending classes through the National College of Midwifery. I first realized my awe and respect for birth when I attended my best friend’s birth at age 16 in 2000. The sheer power and transformation that I was honored to witness was enough to plant the seed of midwifery in my mind. In 2005, I spent a year in Kenya through the UW-Madison, working with traditional birth attendants to help increase skilled attendance and quality prenatal care for women in the Kisumu community. I returned to the US and became a doula, and when the Wisconsin state law passed, licensing CPMs, the educational opportunity through National College of Midwifery presented itself. It was the perfect timing.

Midwifery, for me, represents the beautiful blend of education, health care, and activism, lifestyles/professions I have a hard time turning my back on. So I joyously find myself here -- training to be a midwife. I am grateful to Jan for this opportunity to work with her and for her incredible ability to teach the art of midwifery.

In addition to being a student midwife, I have worked for the Dane County Rape Crisis Center and Madison Family Literacy, a school designed to enhance literacy skills for families who don’t primarily speak English at home. Both professions continually shed light on the essence of being an advocate, a nurturer, and an activist – roles that often enhance the profession of midwifery as well. I am thankful to the leaders of these organizations, who allow me to have a flexible work schedule so I may be a part of the birth community.