Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Sommers.
Anne, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When asked why I became a midwife, I usually answer, ‘Midwifery is my calling.’ I love and enjoy working with mothers, babies and families. I had my own two children at home with the assistance of midwives, and I believe that homebirth is the safest and best way to bring children into the world.
Though my journey to midwifery and natural childbirth began with the pregnancy of my son and my search for a home birth, it was after my daughter was born and in the 80’s that I was challenged to became politically active; I became involved in the home birth movement. I wanted to learn everything I could about serving, nurturing and protecting mothers and changing laws that did not support the valuable occupation of midwife.
My training in midwifery, officially starting in 1986, has been a long process, and continues. I have worked with several lay and licensed midwives, an OB, as well as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, homeopathic physician, herbalist, and nutritionists. Though I attended California State University Long Beach, I feel most of my education was achieved through self-study, including books and seminars, and hands-on apprenticeship.
I have been blessed that the right people and many of them, came into my life at the right time to teach me. I have had an education that was exceptionally varied.
My philosophy is one of noninterference with natural birth and informed choice. I believe that babies deserve to be brought into the world with peace, gentleness and love. I also trust in birth and have a desire to protect and nurture mothers throughout the process of motherhood.
Firmly believing that birth is not necessarily a medical event, but a natural, personal experience which needs to involve the family, I dislike that women are often treated as “patients,” not given informed choices and subjected to routine medical interventions. I believe that expectant mothers should be treated as individuals, not participants in an assembly line of medical routines performed by strangers.
Likening my care and support as a midwife to that of being a lifeguard, I serve at home births to watch over and protect the event and do not interfere if everything is going well. However, if there is a problem I can recognize it and am prepared to take the appropriate action.
I work with the mother and father as a team member. Midwife means “with woman;” I am a guide, support, and companion, giving personalized care – the key to wellbeing and the safety of homebirth. I believe that the comfort and privacy of home with a sensitive midwife who is their companion is the best way to birth.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My main challenge has been getting the information out to birthing women that home birth is a safe viable birthing alternative.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Agape Midwifery Service is a small business. I offer one to one personal care to pregnant moms and families. I do prenatal care, labor and delivery in the client’s home, follow up care and newborn care.
What sets me apart is the individualized care, attention, education that I give.
What were you like growing up?
I was a very quiet, introspective child who liked to read. I was the oldest of 5 children and was responsible for my younger siblings quite often.
Pricing:
- My fee is $4900.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dear-midwife.com
- Phone: 951 461-4779
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Kayleigh Ashworth Photography
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