Fifteen years ago, while pregnant with my third child, I felt strongly that someday I wanted to become a midwife. At the time, my life was filled with caring for my own family. I gravitated towards the study of pregnancy and birth and spent many hours reading. I first became a La Leche League leader in 1996, and enjoyed the time I spent with mothers in groups and in their homes. LLL gave me my first taste of how important it is to be knowledgeable about the topics that you teach. I studied to become a doula, but mostly was limited to helping friends and family for quite some time.
In 2008, it became apparent to me that my time had come and I could pursue midwifery. I was so blessed to be able to pack into two years all the learning that I have had. I have been a student at Sacred Mountain Midwifery School as well as Ancient Art Midwifery School. There have been other workshops, study groups, and conferences to learn from as well. Thankfully, along the way, I have made friends with midwives who have been gracious enough with me to have shared their time and wisdom with me including the two midwives who I apprenticed with. I am indebted to the midwives (Carla, Sarita, Ruth Ann, Kim, Karen, Kristi, to name a few ) who have mentored me along the way. I have attended over a hundred births in a some active capacity and have been the primary midwife for more than 50 births. I am a certified childbirth educator, Certified labor doula, placenta encapsulation specialist, in addition to being a Certified Professional Midwife. (CPM). I work as a birth assistant at the Family Maternity Center of the Northern Neck when i am not caring for my own clients.
In 2008, it became apparent to me that my time had come and I could pursue midwifery. I was so blessed to be able to pack into two years all the learning that I have had. I have been a student at Sacred Mountain Midwifery School as well as Ancient Art Midwifery School. There have been other workshops, study groups, and conferences to learn from as well. Thankfully, along the way, I have made friends with midwives who have been gracious enough with me to have shared their time and wisdom with me including the two midwives who I apprenticed with. I am indebted to the midwives (Carla, Sarita, Ruth Ann, Kim, Karen, Kristi, to name a few ) who have mentored me along the way. I have attended over a hundred births in a some active capacity and have been the primary midwife for more than 50 births. I am a certified childbirth educator, Certified labor doula, placenta encapsulation specialist, in addition to being a Certified Professional Midwife. (CPM). I work as a birth assistant at the Family Maternity Center of the Northern Neck when i am not caring for my own clients.
I was born and raised in Southern California but, I have lived in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia for over 14 years. Most importantly, I am a proud Army wife to my husband Scott and the mother of 7 living children ages 18-6 and two precious little souls. I currently reside in Gloucester County.
It is the great desire of my heart to serve women as they give birth in the safest way possible. I believe that birth is safe, that women labor best while surrounded by companions who understand their need for quiet, calm, and private surroundings. Given the chance, women are their own best experts on how to labor. It is my goal to be simply a consultant and servant of the family. I am grateful to the families who have allowed me to learn from them; they are the ultimate teachers.
As a mother of a large family, I could never imagine being able to attempt a midwifery career without the support of my family. My family sacrifices so much in order for me to help "ladies have their babies". There is no way to ever express how much I love every single one of you. I am also indebted to my friends and family...especially those of you who let me call you at 4am so that I can stay awake when I am driving home! Having the support of all of you means so much to me.
My faith is everything to me. I am grateful to God for calling me to the vocations of marriage, motherhood, and midwifery. I dedicate my practice to St. Margaret of Cartona, Stanislawa Leszczynska, and to Mary, Mother of God, the greatest of all mothers.
Blessed are you among women...
Above: Bettie with Carla Hartley at the Trust Birth Conference.
Left: Bettie and her youngest daughter.
Left: Bettie and her youngest daughter.
