Currently I am certified as a Childbirth Educator through:
ALACE (Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators) and CAPPA (Childbirth And Postpartum Professionals Association).

I am a CAPPA Approved Childbirth Educator Trainer

I have a lot of goals and projects I am working on at present.  Some projects I am working on include:

• Working through the CAPPA Lactation Educator Certification program, 

• Promoting my other business, Motherhood Naturally Publications and writing/publishing books and material on natural family living topics

• In the process of self study for midwifery until my children are older and I have the time to devote to an apprenticeship. 

About Sarah:

My first pregnancy and birth experience was nothing like I would plan for my next. It was a wonderful experience with wonderful midwives in a hospital setting though.  I decided not to attend any childbirth preparation classes of any sort, figured my books would suffice on educating myself.  Money was tight as well and that had an influence in my decision.  My labor was induced due to a fall that ruptured my membranes, and I made it to 8cm before requesting pain medication.  I had no idea what my options were, what to do for the labor pain (I figured walking and staying upright and active would be fine), and had a narcotic injected (no epidural due to previous back surgery).  That wore off right before pushing, which was good and bad (bad because I wasn't prepared for the pain all of a sudden again, good so that I could push effectively).  Looking back, I really wish I had taken a childbirth education class because the books just don't cover everything and sometimes it helps to remember things while practicing them with a teacher.  I had everything planned in my head but reality hit and I wasn't prepared - I didn't really know anything other than what I had decided I wanted about my birth!  I really wish I had the knowledge and "tools" to have a pain medication free birth - and I am 100% convinced I could have had that had I taken a good preparation class - even with being induced.  As well, had I known my options, and the side effects that could effect both myself and the baby of the choices I made, I would have done some things differently.  All in all - I had a great experience it is something I can look back on with a smile.  But I wasn't able to reach my goal of a completely natural birth mainly due to my lack of knowledge and the "change in plans" of being induced which really unsettled my mind.  Had I learned more about doula's, I would have probably tried to find one for labor too.  Midwives in a hospital setting are pressured to take on more and more clients, which leaves them with less and less time for the one(s) they are currently tending to.  Instead of offering continuous care throughout labor and delivery as was commonly believed, hospital Midwives usually end up spending less time with you than you might imagine only because they often have other laboring patients to tend to.  A doula is professional labor support who offers continuous care throughout labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum taking the place when a busy hospital midwife might not be able to sit with you.  I had not explored the option of a doula for my daughters birth, but wish I had.  You will be introduced to all of these things, do you don't head for your birth not knowing your options!  After my first birth I realized I could make a difference, and help other families become prepared for what to expect and the unexpected, and have a safe, satisfying birth experience.

Since my first birth, we've gone on to have two wonderful homebirths with excellent midwives.  We are currently expecting #4 and are planning another homebirth in our new home now located in Toledo, OH.

Pregnancy, birth and infancy is a growing passion that I do everything I can to learn more about.  I want to support, empower and educate all the expectant and new parents that want it.  Because I look back and wish I had taken classes to educate myself on the whole process and money was a factor as to why I didn't take them (ignorance also played a part!), I will work out arrangements that work for the both of us, including payments, sliding scale fees, bartering (services or goods and it doesn't even have to be anything professional - I've had couples offer to come over and cook a healthy dinner before their class!).  If you have questions on anything please feel free to contact me - if I can't give you an answer I'll do my research and come up with it for you.  God has blessed me in so many ways, I want to take this opportunity to help others achieve the birth they want or at least help them take an active role in their birth experience when things don't go their way.  

Aside from birth and babies, we tend to have a natural outlook on life. We are sensibly frugal, homestead the best we can at our location.  We are and will be homeschooling our children.  I am starting Titus 2/Homemaking and Homesteading meetings to help encourage other families to take up a more frugal and back to basics style of living.  I hope to share what I have learned with others, and hope to learn from others just the same!  These meetings will also be an encouragement to Christian women, mothers and wives (and those interested in Christianity) with the goal of glorifying the Lord in all we do.  These meetings are non-denominational and all women are welcome.  If you are interested in just talking about these topics and for whatever reason are not interested in attending a meeting or cannot for whatever reason, please still feel free to e-mail or call - I love talking about these things and would enjoy a chance to talk and learn from you, also!

About Motherhood Naturally, Inc:

This business was started for several reasons.  First, to educate the expectant couple on their options concerning childbirth. I encourage a natural approach to pregnancy, labor and birth but still educate on the medical aspect because complications can arise and no matter what type of birth you are planning it is best to be prepared!  As with all things, intervention of any sort has its benefits and risks - and it can be beneficial in some situations.  Birth was never supposed to be easy or completely pain free, and the drugs that have been created for use by laboring women can have serious side effects on both the mother and baby. Learning to work with your body to minimize pain is a wonderful, risk-free way to birth. Secondly, I want to promote the natural approach to pregnancy, birth, and parenting  in my area.  That includes natural birth, breastfeeding, attachment parenting, cloth diapering, etc.  Of course not everything is suited to each parent, but in light of certain techniques involving letting a very young baby "cry it out", putting babies on a feeding schedule, and avoidance of holding so you don't "spoil" your baby, and other similar situations I want to offer parents other alternatives that do not create such a stressful atmosphere and allows bonding between baby and parent that will create a much happier, harmonious family.  And third, I want my business to become well known and respected as a wonderful resource on all aspects of pregnancy, birth and infancy.  I want to be able to reach out and help all families, including single mothers, teen parents, and low income families gain the knowledge and support they need to make the best birth experience they can, and to be confident, loving parents to their new babies.

All classes are currently taught in my office, which is located within my home.  Snacks and refreshments are available for each class as well as a friendly, warm atmosphere.  If you have children, please feel free to bring them.  A play room is located right next to my office where my children play and yours are more than welcome to join them.  I do have three dogs (2 Maltese and a Viszla), though they will be kept out of the way it is something to consider if you have allergies or asthma, and our home is a completely smoke-free environment (unless I've just burnt something on the stove).

Contact Information: Sarah; 734-755-5772, sarah@motherhoodnaturally.com