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.

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

A Happy Client and New Baby

Cathy O’Bryant is a CPM and LDEM and has been practicing for over 20 years. Currently, she has attended over 600 women in childbirth. She has experienced amazing things over the course of her career in midwifery, and currently operates Enlightened Birth Midwifery Services located in Payson, Utah.

Cathy offers her clients in the Utah Valley area the option of birthing in the comfort of their own home, and she also has privileges at the beautiful birth center, BellaNatal, in Orem, Utah.

Enlightened Birth Midwifery Services offers all of their clients the option of birthing in the water.  Waterbirth has been found to ease pain of childbirth and help the mother relax.

From Enlightened Birth’s website, Cathy’s philosophy:

I believe birth to be a natural physiological process and not a medical phenomenon.

My style of midwifery is non-interventive.   I encourage and support the laboring woman to make choices surrounding her birth.   I feel that in most cases she intuitively knows what is best for her and her baby.   I respect this knowledge and always support her desires providing they are within safe limits.

I believe that homebirth and care from a Certified Professional Midwife can be of the highest quality and in most cases of the same caliber as other health care providers.   I believe that homebirth isn’t for everyone, but that homebirth should be available as a childbirth alternative for those who desire it.   I do not believe that homebirth is risky, providing that the mother is in good health and has researched the subject extensively, until she feels comfortable with her decision.

Enlightened Birth Midwifery Services, located in Payson, and serving the surrounding areas, is another choice in maternal health care in Utah.

Great Expectations Birth Care

Great Expectations Birth Care is run by Rebecca Williams, CNM, CPM, MSN, and is located in Murray, Utah.

Rebecca offers her clients the option of birthing at her beautiful birth suite, or in the comfort of their own home.

The birth suite is located right next to Cottonwood Medical Center, and would be a perfect situation for women and families who may be looking for an alternative to the Obstetrical Model of Care, but are not interested in birthing at home.

Great Expectations seems to really give clients star treatment!  From her website, with regard to considering homebirth or birth at the birth suite, both options sound like the family can expect to be pampered by a compassionate, professional midwife:

Birthing At Home With Great Expectations

Around 36 weeks gestation I will visit your birth site for a prenatal visit and bring birth supplies, a tub if needed, and a postpartum packet which includes all the information and paperwork needed for me to file your birth certificate, obtain a social security card for your baby, etc.. Between 37 to 42 weeks we can legally birth at home and I will come to your house for the birthday party whenever you’d like me to. I stay after the birth until mom and baby are stable and ready for sleep. Sometimes I stay until the birthday cake is frosted and served because I like cake…you’re under no obligation to feed me cake though. I’m there to make your birth wonderful, not to cause extra work.

Birth Suite Birthing With Great Expectations

Women who choose a birth suite birth come to Great Expectations in labor, have a wonderful birth in a “Bed and Breakfast” setting and return home when they’re stable and the time is right. We have a brand new kitchen and food handler permits so you won’t starve and we’ll try to plan your menu before your birth. Maybe you like waffles, fried ham and smoothies, or will it be pasta???

And Regardless Of Location…

Because having a safe pregnancy and birth is a priority, I do transfer to the hospital if problems arise and am certified in Advanced Life Support for Obstetrics. Unless I have someone else laboring, I go with my laboring women and act as their advocate and doula at the hospital in the event of transfer. I have many years of hospital experience and can help couples navigate the hospital “world” to achieve the best possible birth under the circumstances.

Great Expectations Birth Care is located in Murray, Utah, and Rebecca provides complete maternal health care for women living in the Salt Lake area.

Fern Midwifery

The decision of who will be with you at the delivery of your baby is an important one.

What a wonderful thing to have so many wonderful choices of birth care providers that we have in Utah!

Fern Midwifery is a wonderful childbirth option for mothers and families in Salt Lake or Utah County.  Fern Midwifery offers many wonderful services to expectant mothers:

Free Consultation:

You are more than welcome to schedule a complimentary interview so we can get to know each other and explore what it will be like to work together. Husbands or partners are encouraged to attend this visit, as they are frequently full of questions, and we are delighted to meet them.

Initial Visit:

The first official appointment is quite thorough, we typically plan about 90 minutes for this visit. There will be paperwork to complete in addition to a cursory physical exam, and lots of history to discuss. It would be helpful for you get a head start on paperwork, especially the diet history, by downloading the forms from our links page.

Standard Care:

Prenatal care usually begins around 8-12 weeks of pregnancy and visits continue each month until the 3rd trimester (28th weeks) when we begin seeing each other every 2 weeks. After the home visit (at 36 weeks), we will meet weekly until you give birth.

Visits are scheduled for one full hour, but the clinical component usually takes about 10 minutes. The rest of this time we spend talking about the developments of your pregnancy, troubleshooting common complaints and getting to know each other.

Home Visit:

Around 36 weeks, your midwife will come to your home for a prenatal visit. This will prevent unnecessary delays while driving to your house when you are in labor, and allow us to get acquainted with the layout of your house, so you don’t have to show anyone around during labor. You will also receive your birth kit at this visit with all the personal supplies you will use for labor, birth and immediately postpartum. After this point in your pregnancy you are considered full term, so anytime your baby comes we will be ready!

Briana Blackwelder of Fern Midwives has a wonderful blog as well.  Truly, the midwives at Fern Midwifery have the mother’s best interest in mind.

One Happy Baby

BirthWise Maternity Care serves mothers and families in Davis, Cache and Salt Lake Counties.

Heather Johnston, CPM, LDEM is the primary midwife at BirthWise Maternity Care.  Annie Kuntz is the current assisting midwife.

All of the midwives at BirthWise Maternity Care, LC are Direct-entry Midwives (DEMs) which means their education has focused exclusively on providing midwifery care.  This is contrasted with a Certified Nurse-midwife who first trains as a nurse and then receives midwifery training as part of an advanced-practice nursing program.  In Utah, DEMs are the only providers for homebirths.

All of the midwives maintain current CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation certification and participate in regular continuing education such as workshops and conferences sponsored by the Utah Midwives’ Association, subscribing to pertinent periodicals, continuing personal study in various areas and by attending other regional, national and international conferences as circumstances permit.  They also participate in quality review by attending regular peer review with area midwives.

BirthRite Women Center

BirthRite Women’s Center (formerly Balanced Families), is located in Orem, Utah, and is operated by Tara Tulley, a Certified Professional Midwife with a Bachelor’s Degree from the Midwives College of Utah.

Tara is dedicated to providing the safest possible care, while offering a loving, gentle environment. She believes strongly in parents rights to choose their birth place and care provider. Tara has also been an instructor for the American Red Cross, and currently holds certification in Neonatal Resuscitation, and CPR. Tara is a past president of the Utah Midwives Association(2005-2007) and is an advocate for preserving the art of midwifery. Tara has three children who were born at home and loves helping women have empowering births

From the BirthRite website:

Imagine coming to your first prenatal appointment greeted with soft, warm smiles. You feel like a queen because in our eyes, you are! Every concern you have is listened to and answered. We hand you a beautiful Pregnancy and Birth Bag with informational material to help you prepare for the months ahead, along with a few extras to help with your comfort.

At each visit, special care and attention is given to see that your wonderful body and baby are in harmony, enabling you to have a stress free experience during your journey. In preparation for your loving birth, all your supplies and birth tub are sent directly to you

You’re now in the privacy of your own home. Calming music is playing in the background. Aromas you love, that help empower your female senses, fill the room that’s filtered with warm sunlight or muted in the soft glow of candlelight. In addition you may choose to have a professional photographer(optional) at your birth. These photos are then tenderly and artistically arranged to produce a precious keepsake for you and your baby to remember this day forever(DVD or video).

You are given a Postpartum Care Kit to help you get started with diapers, information, and breast-feeding support. You have nothing to worry about. You are free to enjoy bonding with your newborn. When you call with questions or return for your postpartum visits, you will receive answers and solutions. We are here for you!

We help you all along the way by offering, support, education and resources. The midwives and staff at BirthRite Women’s Center are highly trained professionals, with a gentle loving touch. We offer a variety of packages to fulfill your dream.

BirthRite Women’s Center Contact Information:

1156 S State Street Suite 106 |Orem, UT 84651 | (801)380-3247

Email: info@balancedfamilies.com