I briefly interviewed Diana and encourage you to take a look at her website, learning more about what she does in the community as a midwife....awesome and inspiring woman!
How/when did you first become interested in becoming a midwife?
I first became interested in midwifery when I was living in NYC at 18 years of age attending NYU. Honestly, I probably had never even heard the word "midwife", but when I found a copy of Ina May's Spiritual Midwifery in a bookstore on 8th Street
What's the best part of being a midwife?
The best part of being a midwife, other than the obvious baby catching part, is the emotional connections I get to forge with women and their families. Birth is a peak experience and I have the honor of being present for that moment over and over. It is wonderful!
What's the worst part?
I don’t think there is a worst part. Some parts are harder than others-- not being able to plan to do things with my family if I have a woman due is hard. Lack of sleep is hard. Dealing with insurance is super-hard. But, those things are outweighed by all of the good things.
Why did you start "Where the Heart Is Midwifery?
I started Where the Heart Is Midwifery last November. I had been practicing in a birth center setting for almost four years, but needed more flexibility for me and my family. I wanted to slow down a little bit and be able to focus more on each woman. I also was intrigued by the idea of doing all of the care in the woman's home. It has worked out really well for me. I accept two women a month (occasionally three!). I come to their homes for all the care, including the prenatals, lab draws, birth, postpartums. I can be flexible to meet their scheduling needs, so I do evening and Saturday appointments, if need be.
If you had someone call you skeptical about a home birth, what would you tell them?
If someone were interested in homebirth, but skeptical about it, I would suggest that they sit down with me and their list of questions/concerns and talk. Most concerns that couples have are easily addressed and often based on inadequate information. My job is not to "talk someone into" a homebirth; it is to present accurate and complete information so that the couple can make a good decision for themselves. I find that out-of-hospital birth works well because women feel safe in their own nest. It is important for a woman to feel safe, no matter where she chooses to birth.
If you had only a couple minutes to talk with pregnant mamas on the best ways to take care of themselves during their pregnancy, what would you emphasize?
I would tell them to get to the basics-- eat real, whole food. Sleep as much as their body requires-- if it is asking for a nap in the middle of the day, go for it. Avoid those things that we know are not good for us and, therefore, couldn't be good for a developing baby. Exercise--stretching, yoga, swimming, walking are all good exercises for a pregnant mama.
Relax, laugh and enjoy the pregnancy!
Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 850.284.5887
