At Home, With Nature
"A Midwife must possess the hands of a lady, the eyes of a hawk, and the heart of a lion" ~ Aristotle
Shauna Kenealey
Holistic Midwife & Lactation Consultant
I have studied pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, holistic health, and early childhood development for two decades.
I became a midwife because of my fascination with the human body, authentic relationships, and the magic of creating another being.
I remain a midwife because I see what an enormous difference a respectful, patient midwife can make in a family's experience welcoming their new member.
I am deeply committed to supporting each woman's choices of how they want to grow and birth their baby.
Every family whom I work with teaches me; and I am continuously humbled.
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What is a midwife? (my personal working definition)
A midwife is a consultant, a guide, a companion, a mentor, a resource. She sees wisdom in nature and supports the natural process. A midwife believes in women and fiercely protects a woman’s right to make choices regarding herself and her baby. A midwife walks with you on your journey; she is not above you, she is not “in-charge” of you. She can offer information she gathers through intuition, conversation, taking your physical/emotional/spiritual history, physical assessment, as you choose. A midwife has studied for many years; lifestyle wellness, nutrition and herbalism. Holistic midwifery incorporates mind, body, and spirit well-being. A midwife is an expert on healthy, physiologic pregnancy, birth and postpartum; including normal variations of rhythm and time, breech presentation and twins. A midwife has learned when an undisturbed birth may be deviating from normal physiology and tools to assist in return to well-being. A midwife communicates openly and honestly. A midwife has done and continues deep inner personal work to be available in the self-less capacity which birth work often demands. A midwife takes good care of herself so that she can care for others.
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Graduated from Birthingway College of Midwifery with a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (The only in-person midwifery school devoted to physiologic birth and holistic well-being)
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Extensive Education in Plant Medicine, Holistic Nutrition, Communication
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Became a Certified Professional Midwife through North American Registry of Midwives
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International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
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Continuing education every year including all aspects of physiologic birth, pre/perinatal psychology, twin and breech vaginal birth, prenatal yoga, and lactation
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One year of teacher training with Micha-el Institute (Waldorf Education/Anthroposophy)
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Surya Soma 200 hour yoga instructor training
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Current in Neonatal Resuscitation Program and Basic Life Support certifications