Since the beginning of time, women have sought midwives for advice, assistance and companionship during pregnancy and childbirth. Today’s midwives have the opportunity for education and intensive training. While the preparation for our profession has changed, the philosophy of our work is much the same as it has always been. Pregnancy and childbirth are viewed as normal, natural functions of a very wise body. We can trust birth.
Pregnancy and childbirth are major life experiences and each woman is unique. Spokane Midwives strives to give each family the individual attention needed to have a birth that is both satisfying and safe. We use traditional skills combined with modern medical techniques to safeguard the normal and ensure prompt diagnosis and referral of complications. Each visit with your Midwife allows plenty of time for questions, discussion and family involvement. All decisions regarding care are made together.
| Victoria Garwood, CPM, LM | |||
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I have been attending natural births in the hospital and in private homes since 1991. My passion has always been to empower women to have the childbirth experience they desire and deserve with the least amount of intervention. Because of this, my own midwife and first mentor in 1996 exclaimed: “Someday, you will make an excellent midwife!” I accepted her compliment, embraced the calling, but shelved the dream until my own three children were old enough to function with a mother in college who also had to attend births. I wanted to be a safe, thoughtful, confident midwife when the time was right, and when my family was ready for me be dedicated to my clientele. In 20 years of training I have participated in many beautiful natural births, the births of twins, breech, large babies and very small, and multiple vaginal births after cesarean (VBAC). I worked as an assistant at a high volume birth center here in Spokane and as an Apprentice with two midwives, each having over 30 years experience in home birth. My Midwifery education took place at Aviva College, Brigham Young University, and Spokane Falls Community College; each with Honors. I completed the North American Registry of Midwives Certified Professional Midwife Program and gained the recognition of Licensed Midwife in Washington State, one of the states with the highest standards for midwives seeking to practice out-of-hospital. I have attended to rare emergencies that have included babies in need of full resuscitation, severe postpartum hemorrhage, birth defects, and maternal and/or newborn transports. As difficult as these situations can be, they were incredibly valuable learning experiences. A little something personal ~ I was born at Holy Family Hospital, grew up in Spokane and have raised my children here. I birthed one at Holy Family and two at home with Licensed Midwives. Those children are now grown and I have many beautiful grandchildren that I was blessed to have "Midwifed" while their Daddy caught them. I live on a small farm caring for horses, chickens, goats, and ducks as well as a small pack of dogs and kitties. I am very grateful for the people who surround me so that I can be fully available to my birthing families. |
| Remember...you stand in a place few understand the meaning of, that those you
guide depend on you to be a watchful, honorable and compassionate shepherdess. ~Tamara Taitt |