The process of human childbirth is a normal physiological process perfectly designed by nature to bring babies into the world. It is an instinctive, primal experience that has its own rhythm and pace that should be respected and honored, and works best when interfered with as little as possible. Women should be encouraged to be active participants in decision-making and self-care. When they are informed, supported and encouraged to follow their own instincts, women can be active givers of birth rather than passive receivers of birth technology. Childbirth experienced in this way has the potential to be a transformative event; women who take responsibility for their births, make their own best choices, and give birth to their babies through their own ability, emerge from the experience empowered, with a new sense of their own capabilities. This transformation benefits not only that mother and her children, but the entire family unit, the community, the culture at large, and ultimately the world, as it encourages peaceful, loving, responsible relationships. As we birth, so we live.

To assist women to realize this potential, I offer my service as a Wisconsin-Licensed, Certified Professional Midwife. I offer holistic, woman-based care for pregnancy, labor, delivery and the postpartum period for families desiring to birth at home or in the Well-Rounded Maternity Center. I also offer the water labor/water birth option to all of my clients, and provide a portable birth tub for this purpose. I have had the honor and privilege of supporting and guiding women through the process of childbirth since 1992. I live in Kewaskum, just north of West Bend, and will travel about 1.5 hours in any direction to serve birthing families. Prenatal visits, which last about an hour, occur either in my home or in my office in Menomonee Falls. Costs of midwifery care are based on a flexible fee scale and may be covered by insurance. Read lots more about me on my website (link above). Location: Serving women of Southeastern Wisconsin

Contact Info:

262-626-4994 home

414-313-1464 cell

Email: jan@birthspirit.org

"I can't begin to thank you enough for all your help in my pregnancy and birth experience. I already miss the prenatal appointments - they were so much fun and the relaxing, caring atmosphere and ease of conversation made my pregnancy seem so natural and easy. It always seemed so obvious that you truly cared about me as a person and I approached Grant's birth with confidence, knowing I would be surrounded by trusted friends.

I will always look back on this pregnancy and birth with incredible fondness. I truly could not have asked for anything to be different. Even at times when I felt overwhelmed during the labor, your calm presence was so reassuring and you always seemed to know exactly what to say or do."

~Kristin Peterson, 2002, 2005, 2007, and 2010

"Thank you for all you have done and do for me and my family. Whether I am pregnant or not, you are always there, whether it be for a chat or because someone is sick. I can always bother you and you never seem to mind.

I found out what a natural birth and homebirth were all about with Jadyn, my first homebirth. But I never truly opened myself up to what having a midwife was really about. I found that out with Aubrey's pregnancy and birth. I knew just a few hours after she was here what it really means to be under the care of a midwife. For that and for your strong belief in women and birth that led you to be a midwife and eventually led me to you, thank you. I absolutely wouldn't have gotten through pregnancy and birth without you."

~Chandi Meyer, 2004, 2006

"It has been a wonderful and adventurous journey getting to know you, being in your care and becoming your friend. I am so thankful to have had these experiences. You are a special medicine woman. Thank you for sharing some of that medicine with me and my family. Thank you for your generositiy, your honesty, your kindness and your love. The gifts you have given me are great and will not be forgotten."

~Jenny Kugel. 2003