Anne Pico, "Midwyf"

Anne Pico is passionate about midwifery.   She has been assisting women and their families through pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period since 1991. She has worked with birthing families in Nevada, Montana, Texas and Utah both through home birth, and in a busy freestanding birth center.   She is also the Utah state representative for Christian Midwives International.

She loves her job.

Utah Childbirth recently caught up with Anne to find out more about her and her Cache Valley midwifery practice.

Utah Childbirth: You have worked with birthing families in many different states.  Was there anything distinctively different about birthing perceptions in other states that has deepened your understanding of birth?

Anne: In the west in general I have noticed a kind of natural rugged individualism and determination. In every state there are all kinds of people. I am blessed to have gotten to know so many caring, intelligent and strong women and families through the years. Fear is the enemy. We find and fight it everywhere.

Utah Childbirth: You are very involved in midwifery advocacy on the state, national and international level.  Does this ever interfere with your job as a midwife, or does it help you?  If so, how?

Anne: No. Anything I can do to educate others about natural and out of hospital birth is time well spent. It helps me, and my children, and all of us in the long run.

Utah Childbirth: Having worked in a free standing birth center, are there any major differences between that and a home birth?

Beautiful Waterbirth

Anne: A birth center is generally a more socially acceptable choice. It is more convenient for the midwife. There is an illusion of a birth center being safer. I have never understood this though, because there is basically no difference between home birth and birth center birth (same person(s), same skills, same equipment) except the location.

It is more likely that home birth is actually safer, because the mother is in her own environment and therefore less likely to feel stressed. Stress hormones are well known to interfere with labor.

No matter how homelike a birth center is, it is still not “home.” The exception to this, is those who live a great distance to a hospital and have the option of birth center close to one.  I feel this is an area that we need to work on educating people about.

Utah Childbirth: You mentioned that you enjoy raising livestock?  What do you raise?  Are there any experiences you have had in caring for animals that have helped you learn more about life in general?

Anne: We used to run a small working cattle ranch. We have raised almost every kind of farm animal at one time or another. Our children have worked to earn the money for their own horses. We now have 5 horses, 1 Jersey cow and calf, 1 beef cow, 6 momma sheep, 8 lambs, 2 dogs, 4 cats, assorted fish and a gecko. Raising animals has given me many insights into life in general.

Although I have never assisted a human mother with  twins, triplets, or a breech baby, I have assisted many animal mothers in these situations over the years. Working with livestock has taught me  a lot of patience, and  gentleness.

Any farmer knows that a laboring cow or horse must not be disturbed. Every vet knows that it is unwise to move a laboring animal or subject it to unfamiliar sights or sounds. They come to their “patient.” They know the value of good nutrition and carefully chosen supplements for pregnant animals, yet many of these same concepts seem lost in conventional medicine…

Utah Childbirth: How do you find time to do all that you do?

Anne: I have a wonderful family! They understand that this is my ministry and have made many sacrifices for it and for me through the years. I have learned that there are many seasons in life. When our children were small I was much more limited in my midwifery.

In some societies, women were not considered eligible for midwifery until they had raised their own family. I believe it is true that: “God doesn’t call the qualified, He calls the willing, and then He qualifies them.”

Utah Childbirth: You mentioned you are working on becoming a Certified Family Herbalist.  Do you use herbs in your midwifery practice?

Anne: Yes, herbs are a wonderful first line of defense. It is important to choose them and use them carefully though, since some of them have risks.

Utah Childbirth: Is there any one experience you have had in your years working with women that you could share with readers that would inspire them to consider homebirth?

Anne: I would encourage women to do their own research. Learn about all the options. All credible scientific research for the past 30 years bears out the safety of midwifery and home birth. We all have to choose the risks we are willing to accept.

Hospital birth is definitely not risk free – just different risks. As a new mother, people would often say to me: “you’re so brave to have a home birth.” I would reply: “you’re braver to have a hospital birth.”

We need to be where we are the most comfortable during birth, unless there is a very compelling reason to be somewhere else. I wish I could capture and share with the world the joy and strength I have witnessed in many home births. Birth can be a very empowering and healing experience that affects us for the rest of our lives.

Visit Olive Branch Midwifery online or contact Anne via email anne@olivebranchmidwifery.com or call 435-770-6868.

Anne Pico, LDEM, CPM, CCE, CD, lives in Cache Valley, Utah with her husband and their six children. Anne is a nationally Certified Professional Midwife,  a Licensed Direct Entry Midwife in both Utah and Idaho, a Certified Childbirth Educator, Doula, and Monitrice. She holds a degree in midwifery through the National College of Midwifery, a MEAC accreditited college in New Mexico.

She has worked with birthing families in Nevada, Montana, Texas and Utah both through home birth, and in a busy freestanding birth center. She encourages families to birth in their own way, supports water births, children at birth, and dads “catching” etc. Her desire is to serve, educate, and empower others “as unto the Lord Jesus Christ” Colossians 3:23-24.

Modern Expressions Photography

There is nothing more precious than a new baby–and there are many wonderful photographers in Utah who offer childbirth and other related photography services.

Here is a small listing of photographers in the Utah area who can do prenatal and birth photography.

Modern Expressions Photography: At the age of two when most children were drawing scribbles, Tamra  Hyde amazed her parents with her detailed stick figures.  Over the years all forms of art have called to her, but of all the mediums she has used, her favorite is “writing with light”.

Eleven years ago she began her journey as a mother.  She scrambled to keep track of her baby’s growth with an old 35mm camera and cried when the pictures came out blurry and unrecognizable.  Thus began her journey to find something better.  She found that photography called to her like pollen calls a bee.  It became a passion and soon others were asking her to photograph their children.  She enjoyed it so much that ModernExpressions was born.

Photography is an art form.  Tamra’s style is relaxed and unposed.  She tries to capture children as they truly are.  She will interact with your child and help them to feel comfortable.  She will allow plenty of time for your session so that no one feels rushed.

Tamra prefers to do each session at a location that is comfortable for the child.  She finds that children are much more relaxed and cooperative in a familiar environment.  Tamra will bring backdrops to the session but she prefers to use the child’s environment whenever possible.

Tamra is a member of the American Child Photographer’s Charity Guild.

Service Area: West Jordan, Taylorsville, Kearns, Sandy, Draper,
Riverton, Herriman, Midvale, Magna, West Valley, Salt Lake City,
North Salt Lake, South Salt Lake, Bluffdale, White City, Tooele,
Lehi, Orem, Pleasant Grove, American Fork, Provo, Bountiful, Farmington UT, and others.

Birthing Your Way Childbirth Photography: As a birth photographer, I am there to capture the candid moments of your labor, birth, and the bonding done afterward with your new little one. I do this within the boundaries that we will have previously discussed.

The photos are done in black and white and in color. I do recommend that black and white be done at the time of the delivery as it portrays a more intimate feeling.

I offer a free meeting for you to come and see a portfolio of my work and to talk to me about what you would like in capturing the moments of your birth.

Service Area: Utah and Salt Lake Counties and surrounding counties.

Michelle Scharf: Pictures are a wonderful way to preserve the birth process. Mothers sometimes feel that they missed out on seeing their birth.

Photographs preserve the process and allow mothers to keep her internal experience more intact. Michelle has a talent for capturing the beautiful moments of birth.

Service Area:  Northern Utah

Brittany G Photography: I have always had a love for photography.  It wasn’t until I had my kids that I took it more seriously.  Like every mother, I wanted to capture every precious moment of my children’s lives.  The moments that we all take for granted, but that take our breath away at the same time.

My goal is to create images of your children that tug at your heart.  I want to capture the innocence of each child.  I want to really bring out their brilliant personalities in the pictures.

Service Area: Utah and Salt Lake Counties

Little Angels Photography: Our Babies in Bloom style of baby photography will focus on your beautiful baby cradled in a flower, nestled by a leaf, sleeping with angel wings, and various other poses.

Each baby photography portrait is a work of art and will become a cherished treasure for you and your family.

Service Area: Utah and Salt Lake Counties

Emily Jane Photography:

Why I love my job:
-Photography is something I’m truly passionate about
-Every session presents new and different challenges, and like I said before, I LOVE a good challenge
-I get to be creative
-I love people
-What could be better than capturing a moment and creating art that will be cherished for years to come?

I can’t wait to meet you!

Service Areas: Utah

Find A Doula

If you are looking for a doula in Utah, you are in luck!

There are many doulas who will provide you with all the support you need for a wonderful birth, whether it be at a hospital, at home, or in a birthing suite.

Here are some resources to help you find the right doula for you and your family:

The Utah Doula Association: Features a listing by county of doulas who belong to their association.  They also offer a personalized service for those who are interested in finding a particular doula to meet special needs.

Birthing Naturally: Has a great listing of doulas in Utah.

Utah Birth Network also mantains a listing of doulas that belong to their association.

Doula Network: Another doula listing.

HypnoDoulas Listing: Hypnosis in labor brings forth amazing results!

Our condolences go to the family of this amazing St. Louis doctor who delivered babies at home for decades.  He will surely be missed!

Homebirths As A Safe Alternative article from Oregon.

More Moms To Be Are Turning To Midwives from the Northwest Herald.

The Medicalization of My Natural Birth is a great birth story, and gives some great advice.

Russian Babies Switched at Birth, Now 2, Are Ordered to Switch Back–a statement from the hospital said it happened because of understaffing.

In a New York hospital, the staff accidentally switches two babies, apologizes 18 hours later and switches them back.

Polish Families Awarded in case involving switched babies at birth.

Birth is Beautiful!

Midwife Janae Sherman was herself born at home–her mother went into labor so fast that they did not have time to travel to a hospital.

Janae operates Trust Homebirth in St. George, Utah, and serves mothers and families in the Southern Utah area.  She offers midwifery homebirth services, doula services, personalized prenatal care, nutritional counseling, and childbirth education classes.

From Trust Homebirth’s website:

In addition to helping women deliver their own children, I, too, have experienced natural child birth at home. With the assistance of Elizabeth and my husband, my three daughters where born, safely, within the walls and the comfort of my own home. At home I had the support of a few select family members and friends who were present and provided various forms of aid. My birth experiences were both intense but peaceful, painful but empowering. In those moments, powerful bonds of love where formed and I felt myself grow stronger. I became something more than I was previously. I cherish those moments. They are among the best I’ve ever had.

I believe that women (parents) have the right to decide where and with whom they will have their children. I have learned that birth is a safe, natural process, that when left to follow it’s natural course, in most cases, results in much better outcomes. I love working with expectant mothers, and asisting where needed at their deliveries. Each one is a unique and sacred experience for me and I feel very privileged to be in attendance.

I’m happy you’re here. I’m excited for you to meet your baby! I’d love to meet and talk about some of your options, should you choose to have your baby at home or naturally in the hospital.

Mothering Your Way Maternity Services

Mothering Your Way is located in Orem, Utah, and  offers complete prenatal, maternity, and postpartum support and services for women and families.   Whether you would like to take a Lamaze childbirth class, learn to do a belly cast, or find a midwife, Mothering Your Way offers all of these services.  Mothering Your Way is devoted to helping women and families grow together during the childbearing years.  Whether it is through breastfeeding classes or VBAC support, there is something for ever mother, mom to be, or expectant family.  

Other services currently offered at Mothering Your Way:

• Girl’s Night Out for new moms, moms to be, and friends and family.  This is a night of fun, conversation, and relaxation.  Enjoy a manicure and more pampering along with your closest girlfriends.
• Spa Services. A range of spa services and massage are offered.
• Breastfeeding Classes and Support Groups In addition to the support group, individual support is also available
• Educational Classes on All Aspects of Childbirth From a comfort measures class for 2nd time moms to a Just For Dads Class, newborn soothing, baby signing classes and more, Mothering Your Way has something for every stage of motherhood–from prenatalt to labor and delivery and beyond
• Labor Support Services Including Midwifery and Doula Services

For more information, visit Mothering Your Way online, or call 801-615-1733.  Mothering Your Way is located in Orem, Utah, and services Utah and Salt Lake Counties.

Christine Fiscer, Traditional Midwife

In 2004, Christine Fiscer had a beautiful baby boy.  She also had a completely unnecessary cesarean section.  In her quest to avoid another cesarean, Christine researched and read until she was convinced that birthing at home was not only safe, but the best option for most women.

This research led her to a beautiful VBAC experience at home with a midwife, and eventually led her to become a Traditional Midwife herself.

Christine now serves women in the St. George area at her practice, Joyful Birth Services.

Utah Childbirth caught up with Christine to find out more about her amazing journey:

Utah Childbirth: How have your experiences with VBAC advocacy and your own cesarean affected your midwifery practice?

Christine: Because of my own cesarean and VBAC experience, I am more apt to help women that even some other midwives would not be able to assist.

Beautiful Twins

As long as mom still meets criteria that I consider low risk, I will take her. I am more passionate about helping the women that are most likely to end up in the operating room – such as twin or breech moms, or moms who have had more than 1 or 2 cesareans.

If I can help keep even one mom from having surgery again, I will. So many women are told that they “can’t” have a VBAC if they have had more than one or two cesareans, and it simply isn’t true. The research shows that a VBAMC ( Vaginal Birth After Multiple Cesareans ) has a VERY little increase in uterine rupture rates, and that women should have this option open to them.

Utah Childbirth: What service do you offer?

Christine: I offer pre-conception counseling, complete prenatal care, the option of a waterbirth, complete labor and birth care, postpartum care (until 6 weeks), and complete breastfeeding support.

Under safe conditions, I will attend moms who are carrying twins or a breech baby that will not turn.

Utah Childbirth: You mentioned on your website that you spent some time in the Phillipines.  What was your most valuable experience there?

Christine: It was an amazing personal experience, not just in the way of birth.

Breech Baby Girl

My most valuable experience was, oddly enough, the complications that we encountered on a regular basis.  I don’t think women here in the U.S. understand how wonderful we have it, for the most part.

It reaffirmed just how much good nutrition counts for in over all health of pregnancy and birth.

I saw women’s uteri come down and out with their baby, which is a rare occurrence here without any intervention involved in labor. I saw women tear horribly, even though perineal massage was used, and the head was birthed as gently as possible.

So even though it may sound odd, the complications were the most valuable part of my experience there.

Utah Childbirth: What do you do for fun?

Christine: I love to sew. My current project is to learn how to use a serger. I also read a lot. I love anything from birthy books, to complete fiction. If I can get lost in a book, it’s a good one.

Utah Childbirth: What can a woman in your care expect from you as a midwife?  In other words, what is unique about your approach to midwifery?

Christine: I am completely hands-off, unless an emergency arises. I believe firmly that labor and birth, will unfold best if left alone.  This hands-off approach results in fewer complications, and a more sense of empowerment for moms.

Women are more than capable of giving birth without me. When I have the honor of attending a woman’s birth, I am more of a lifeguard. I simply make sure that things continue safely and jump in only if needed.

Birth is such an intimate time. I do my best to interfere as little as possible, so that it remains an intimate moment … not a medical event.

Christine and Joyful Birth Services is another wonderful birth choice for women in Southern Utah!

I happened upon Tamra Hyde’s photography when reading through a Yahoo group.  Someone said that she had a “real talent.”  I have to say–that was quite an understatement!

As I looked at the photos of the waterbirth, I couldn’t help but think that somehow Tamra had been able to capture a bit of heaven in her photography–somehow she was able to capture that moment when earth and God Himself meet in the miracle of childbirth.

Previous to looking at Tamra’s work, I did not think it was possible to capture that essence of the divine in anything as earthly and mortal as a photograph.  Somehow, she does it.

I took a minute to interview Tamra, to try and find out what it is about her that allows her to do this.

Utah Childbirth: Tell me a little bit about yourself and your family.

Tamra:

My name is Tamra Hyde.  I have been married to my husband David for 15 years this July.  We have six beautiful children.  Alexander is the oldest.  He just turned 13 and is a gentleman.  Sullivan is 10 and is our best friend to the little ones.  He is very nurturing.  Ahrana is 7 and is our little helper.  She is gifted at housekeeping and can outclean all of the boys.  We adopted her from India when she was three years old and we love her very much.  Oliver is 6 and is our stubborn child.  I am trying to figure out how to teach him when to bend and when to be strong.

Finneas is 3 and was our first child born at home.  Suzanne Smith was our midwife.  She was wonderful!  He is a growing like a weed and is all about being a big boy.

Virginia is our youngest.  She was born in our backyard hot tub with Cathy Larson attending.  It was an amazing experience.  I don’t think it gets much better than that. She is tiny and sweet and definitely the love of our lives.

I have chosen to homeschool my six children.  This is very challenging at times but I have really enjoyed it.  I love being able to let my children learn at their own pace and to study the things that really hold their interest.

Utah Childbirth: How did you become interested in photography, specifically birth photography?

Tamra:

I have been an artist all of my life.  I have always been fascinated with the art of photography, but the mechanics of using the camera always stood in my way.

I finally got brave and decided to learn and once I did a whole new world opened up to me.  Birth became a part of my life when my first was born.  I was hooked.  I read every book I find on the subject.  I began to attend the births of friends as a videographer and when I picked up photography the two things naturally fell into place.

I am always drawn to the storytelling side of photography and birth photography is the epitome of that art. I was priveleged to attend my first birth as a photographer in June of 2007 and I was hooked.

Utah Childbirth: What are some things you love about your job?

Tamra:

I love the flexibility of being a photographer.  As a homeschooling mother it is wonderful to be able to choose my own hours and to do much of my work at home.

I also love the creativity as no two sessions are alike.  I love the challenge of finding the perfect natural lighting, arrangind artificial lighting, and capturing that perfect shot.

Utah Childbirth: How has doing birth photography affected you personally?

Tamra:

I have come to know some very wonderful women.  Birth is such a personal and spiritual experience, it is an honor to be asked to participate.  I have seen the power of women and the joy of childbirth.  I feel that I am a stronger person by being near these women.  I can’t watch a birth slideshow without tearing up and I love my clients and their babies.

Utah Childbirth: How can someone contact you for a session, and what should they expect?

Tamra:

Custom portrait photography is truly an art form.  Each session takes 1-3 hours of photography time and up to 20 hours of editing time.  It is for those who appreciate art in all of its forms and for those who want a true representation of their family.

I have a fresh and contemporary style.  I am always trying new things and my clients love this. I am currently accepting birth, maternity, newborn, baby, child, high school senior, family, engagement and wedding clients.

Wedding clients for 2009 will recieve a significant discount on pricing. I am accepting portrait clients on Fridays and Saturdays only and session times fill up quickly.

I am in West Jordan but all sessions are on location. When I accept a birth client I reserve an entire month and will not book any other births or weddings during that month, so it is important to book right away to secure your session.

Many of my birth clients receive a free maternity or newborn session with their package.  Please check out my website Modern Expressions for pricing information.

Let me know that you found me here and recieve a $50 credit toward your session.

Contact Information:

Tamra Hyde www.modernexpressionsphoto.com www.blog.modernexpressionsphoto.com modernmother@comcast.net 801-712-0510

What is amazing to me is that women are not allowed to try a VBAC for fear of lawsuits?  What in the world is that?  So, because of lawsuit fears, women are forced to undergo surgery?  Who’s best interest is being look at here?

In Michigan, birth centers aren’t legal?  And doulas are not allowed to stay with women in traumatic situations?  Is Michigan living in the dark ages?

What is amazing to me is that women in Michigan have put up with this at all.  Thank heavens I don’t live there.