Finding a midwife?

• 08-03-2008 8:38 AM

  Strawberrytech Joined on 07-26-2008 Seattle Posts 8

  Finding a midwife? Reply Contact Hello ladies, I already have one daughter, who was born in a nightmarish hospital situation that I really don't want repeated...and I'm very interested in looking into getting a midwife and/or a doula to help me out. My doctor is at a really good hospital and has a nice schedule built out around what tests/visits happen when which I like, but I would really like more information and hands on support, I didn't want medicine last time but ended up tres medicated because nobody was there to stand up for me really, (no involvement in my birth plan). So to my question...how do you go about finding a doula or a midwife? I recently moved to Seattle (was in NYC) and just don't really know where to start...I'm going to start asking some mom's groups I'm involved in but am not quite ready to announce to people who know me that I'm pregnant yet so I'd love some recommendations if you have any! Thanks, Kristin

• 08-03-2008 8:20 PM

  In reply to

  havingmysoulmatesbaby Joined on 10-28-2007 Montana Posts 59

  Re: Finding a midwife? Reply Contact Hello and Congratulations on your pregnancy!!! I currently live in Montana but was raised in the Seattle area and lived there for more than 20 years. I had my first son with the help of a WONDERFUL midwife. I wanted to have him at home but due to complications with my placenta, putting me at high risk for bleeding, she agreed to assist me with my delivery only if I agreed to have him in a hospital. Not EXACTLY what I had in mind, but I still managed to have an excellent birth experience with no medications or interventions at the hospital. I would love to share her information with you!! Her name is Ali Toperosky. She works in a partnership with Heike Doyle. My son is 6 years old now, but when I was seeing them for prenatal care they took turns being on call for after-hours births. Since you could potentially have either one of them in attendance at your birth, you see BOTH for prenatal visits. That way, you are VERY comfortable with both midwives. Since I gave birth, I think they have added (at least) one more midwife to their practice....but don't quote me on that!! LOL!! Anyway, they are located in Kirkland on Totem Lake Blvd just off the freeway. Their phone number was (and probably still is) 425-823-1919. Their practice is called Puget Sound Midwives and Birth Center. At the time I gave birth they had privileges at the Providence campus of Swedish Medical Center in Seattle...which is where I gave birth. I hope this info helps!! ~ Charlotte

• 08-04-2008 7:20 PM

  In reply to

  Kara012981 Joined on 11-04-2005 Utah Posts 1,734

  Re: Finding a midwife? Reply Contact Hi, de-lurking here! :)  I also had 2 of my babies at that birth center! I love love LOVED them!! Last I heard, Ali and Heika were both still at the birth center, but not partnered together anymore. (there were two separate partnerships operating at the same birth center). Heika delivered my dd. I also highly recomend checking them out. They also have a web site- birthcenter.com I think. If for some reason you are not close enough or don't like them, the Seattle area is full of midwives. Check who is covered by insurance or look them up in the phone book.

• 08-05-2008 8:09 PM

  In reply to

  lncooper Joined on 10-09-2004 Geneva, NY Posts 1,603

  Re: Finding a midwife? Reply Contact www.dona.org, www.alace.org, www.bellywomen.net are just a few sites off of the top of my head that list doulas. Not all doulas are listed. I'd recommend emailing whoever shows up in your state b/c chances are they're aware of other doulas not listed. Same thing with midwives. Many AP groups also have a good finger on the birth support pulse. You can try searching 'birth' in Yahoo or Google groups. Congrats and good luck!

• 08-23-2008 9:30 AM

  In reply to

  Strawberrytech Joined on 07-26-2008 Seattle Posts 8	Re: Finding a midwife? Reply Contact I found one and I'm psyched! Thanks!

• 08-25-2008 12:51 AM

  In reply to

  BoldBeautifulBirth Joined on 11-08-2005 Puget Sound Area, WA Posts 211	Re: Finding a midwife? Reply Contact  Where in Seattle are you located? I live in University Place and can find you some GREAT midwives and doulas (I myself am a doula actually -- www.boldbeautifulbirth.com) -- let me know if you need anymore help!