Meet Our Team
Meet Brittany
Hi, I'm Brittany. I believe your birth is not just the beginning of your child's life but the beginning of your adventure in parenthood. Only positive outcomes can come from nurturing and empowering a person at the beginning of this journey. I support your choices for you and your family.
Before my journey to midwifery began, I worked for about 10 years in primary care as a Physician Assistant. Upon attending my first homebirth in 2010, my whole world changed. Once I gave birth in my own home in 2012, my goal was set. Since 2014, I have attended births in the home environment as a doula, birth assistant, or midwife. In 2018 I became a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) licensed through the state of Maryland. I feel fortunate that my past has brought me to this place-- where I feel passionate about my future. I love offering this model of partnership support and care to local families. I truly feel honored to walk alongside this journey of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.
When not doing midwifery-related things, you can find me experimenting in the kitchen, dreaming up potlucks and family celebrations in our home, or exploring on adventures with my small clan. Currently, I live with my 3 beautiful daughters, my husband Bob, 2 fur pups, and a flock of chickens in Middletown, MD.
Education and Certifications:
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Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology, Hood College
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Certified Professional Midwife through National Association of Registered Midwives
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Maryland State License for Direct Entry Midwifery
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Associates in Midwifery, SWTC
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Current Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) Certificate
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Current Adult and Pediatric CPR Certificate
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Trained Doula
Meet Rachel
I am passionate about pregnancy and birth care and education rooted both in current research and evidence and the age-old wisdom of midwifery. I enjoy helping people wade through the overabundance of information to make decisions that work best for them and their family. I love midwifery for the breadth of choice if offers, and I am excited to be able to offer these to families who are looking for the best possible birth experience and welcome for their babies.
Midwifery is a second career for me, and I feel exceptionally lucky to have found work I love so much. After a decade working in international development - overseas and in DC - I realized that working directly with people is where I get the greatest satisfaction from work, and where I my gifts are best suited. Coming to midwifery as a second career has allowed me to bring a collection of skills in research and analysis, management, cultural sensitivity and personal communication that support me in providing attentive and thoughtful evidence-based care to expectant families.
My midwifery experience has focused exclusively on home birth and includes working with a range of families in the DC area and the Amish community in Pennsylvania. This diversity has taught me that there is a vast range of what families want during this transformative time in their lives – whether it is growing a family for the first time or the 12th time – and that regardless of one’s particular choices, respectful, attentive and nurturing care is a constant element in what people desire. I am always grateful for the opportunity to provide that care through this chapter, and to share in the growth and joy of these moments.
When not midwifing, I enjoy spending time with my two children and wonderful husband, cooking, sharing meals with family and friends, exploring outdoors and traveling. Born and bred in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, I have happily made Takoma, DC my home since 2010.
Education and Certifications:
· Certified Professional Midwife, education from Birthwise Midwifery School, Maine
· MA in Poverty and Development, Institute for Development Studies, UK
· BA in Political Science, Brock University, Canada
· Current Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) Certificate
· Current Adult and Pediatric CPR Certificate
· DONA-trained Doula
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Meet Michelle
Birth and Postpartum Doula, Infant Sleep Specialist, Birth Assistant in Training
Specialities: Unmedicated Birth, Trauma Care, Infant Sleep Consulting
Favorite Moment from my Own Birth: Being able to transfer from a homebirth to a hospital birth while preserving the natural birth I desired!
When I’m not Working: You will find me spending time with my children and family, reading a book (usually about birth!), or out in my garden where I have a passion for growing food!
My family and I have lived in Frederick County for the last 8 years, but I grew up in this county and it is near and dear to my heart. I have been deeply entrenched in the community here, offering childcare over the years and matching families with caregivers for over 12 years.
I discovered my passion for birth work over 10 years ago when I began to support my loved ones through their labor and delivery. My transition to working as a doula was just a natural progression of that passion. Today, it is my goal to empower and support women so that they can have their most satisfying birth possible and on their own terms. It is my greatest joy to help a birthing person have the best chance at achieving the experience they most desire.
I look forward to discussing your journey with you, getting to know you and having the opportunity to support you through your labor and delivery and beyond as you settle into your new family dynamic.
