Maternal health studies as published with the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, the Childbirth Connection/Milbank Fund study and more...continue to educate us in the fact that for most women, midwife assisted childbirth is as safe as or safer than physician-attended birth. Routine medical practices such as induced labor, episiotomy, continuous electronic fetal monitoring and cesarean section are the major cause of complications.

    With midwifery care, we are:

        * 9 times less likely to have severe perineal tears
        * 3 times less likely to have postpartum hemorrhage
        * 6 times less likely to have fetal distress before birth
        * 4 times less likely to need help to start breathing
        * 4 times less likely to develop an infection

    "What a blessing it is to be so close to new life! As your community midwife in southwest Idaho, I am dedicated to supporting informed choices in safe, gentle birth and health care. 
    While midwifery and naturopathy is my happy profession as well as a calling, I am inspired by each birthing family's journey; humbled in my role of supporting their physical, emotional and spiritual experiences. Every pregnancy and birth is special, uniquely filled with opportunities to learn more of the precious gift..."

Julia Swart, LM, CPM
Certified, North American Registry of Midwives
    Julia has been attending births since 1980. Her apprenticeship began over 30 years ago working with the clinic of Dr. Paul DuGre, MD in southern California, a medical and naturopathic homebirth family practice that supported midwifery & waterbirth.
    Later, after catching babies as a midwife and herbalist in the northwest and several years off between giving birth to five children, she decided to increase her knowledge via another course of study.  This spurred a challenging yet happy adventure with other midwives spanning from Texas to Oregon, where she was also active with legislative changes for birthing families and their midwives.
    Julia has been NARM certified since 2005 and is currently licensed to practice midwifery in Idaho and in New Mexico. She is certified in Neonatal Resuscitation (level 4), IV Therapy, Medications and Suturing for midwives, plus a college certificate in clinical phlebotomy.
    A favorite part of midwifery has been teaching students - whether it be apprentices, new parents, or legislators.  As the executive director for a nonprofit organization promoting maternal and infant well-being, Julia has been responsible for developing and coordinating programs to increase awareness and access to safe options in maternity care.
    Her approach to birthing mothers and their families is one of humility, noting that it is a blessing to be invited to share in their care and an honor to attend their births.
    One of Julia's future goals is to initiate increased nonprofit work in the U.S. and also assist with maternal/newborn clinical projects in other countries (see Volunteer).

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Meet the Assistants

Diane Bajema, CNA - Clinic Support

Diane is a wise woman and mother of 6 who has given birth at home and homeschooled for many years. She brings a positive and nurturing balance, especially with new client consultations. Diane is very busy with ministry work so we are blessed when she can be present in the office and on the team for supporting gentle birth choices in rural SW Idaho.

Holly LeSuer, Student Midwife

Holly is the newest member of our team and her enthusiasm is contagious. She has two young children and one on the way. Holly's husband is a recent veteran of the US Navy and very supportive of her journey toward certification in midwifery.

Miranda Anselmo, Student Midwife

When Miranda experienced different prenatal care and had a homebirth for her second baby, she was inspired to continue learning and felt called to someday help other birthing women. After attending her first birth with one of the midwife's clients, we all felt the same way. Miranda brings her inner gifts of gentleness and kindness, staying focused and willingness to help patiently and attentively with what is needed most as she learns the art and science of midwifery. As one of our moms with younger children, she attends a birth whenever possible.

Mandy Ellis, Student Midwife

Mandy, a homebirthing, homeschooling mother of six is studying with Eden Birth & Wellness with the encouragement of her very supportive family. In addition to her long-time interest in midwifery and desire for hands-on learning is Mandy's compassion and understanding for birthing women and the health of babies. She is also appreciated for her assistance at distant rural locations.

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Aspiring midwives have many virtues!

Some of the qualities that made Michelle a most welcome student:  intelligence and desire to learn, sense of humor, inner strength, compassionate heart and dedication to serving mothers and babies.



          The World Health Organization defined a midwife as:

a person who, having been
regularly admitted to a midwifery educational program, duly recognized in the country in which it is located, has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practice midwifery. She must be able to give the necessary supervision, care and advice to women during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period, to conduct deliveries on her own responsibility, and to care for the newborn and the infant.