The most relevant experience I have as a midwife is having given birth to 5 amazing children of my own.  Each birth story is unique and the events therein, incredibly significant to my personal growth as a woman, mother, and a midwife.  My first son was born in the hospital following a pitocin augmentation (synthetic hormone used to intensify labor) and two different types of analgesic medications to cope with the intensity.  Neither of these procedures were part of my birth plan and it was not until later did I learn about the effects of each.  This first experience with birth was so unlike what I had idealized, that it propelled me to learn more about the true nature of childbirth. My second birth proved that due dates just exist to keep us on our toes! I bravely (smile) attended a 3 day political march in Washington DC, 2+ weeks ahead of my expected due date and my, then unborn, daughter decided to join the festivities. After making it to the top of the Washington Mall, it became increasingly clear that I was going to be having a baby.  She came fairly quickly after I was transported to the local hospital. My third child was born under the care of  the midwives at The Birth Center of Bryn Mawr and as such, I had my first out-of-hospital birth.  It was a triumph and my first real proof that with the right kind of care, birth can indeed be trusted as a natural process. My last two were both planned homebirths–which ended beautifully, by God’s grace.  My youngest child culminated my personal birth journey as he was born into my own hands at home on my own birthday!

I’m so grateful to have had this range of personal experience as it continues to help me relate to the diverse concerns of expectant mothers and to serve women with compassion and openness.  My earlier birth experiences were more challenging as I did not feel empowered, informed, or supported enough to insure the outcome I desired. These experiences also introduced me to some of the flaws of the medical model of care as it relates to pregnancy and childbirth. In spite of these obstacles, I was able to bear witness that birth is indeed a beautiful,natural, physiological process that can be trusted to unfold almost always without the need of medical intervention. It is also my firm belief that home birth is the safest and best option for healthy women who are well-informed and trust the process. .

Many years before I would ever have my own children, I was working with children  as a Youth Leader in my religious community  and a mentor to teen girls while attending college. It was during this time that I became more aware of social and humanitarian justice issues around the world and committed myself to the field of human service.  I graduated with honors from Temple University in 2006 having a dual major in  Strategic & Organizational Communicationand African-American Studies, with a concentration in Political Science. As a college student and in many ways, even as a youngster, I was always drawn to human rights issues. The idea that everyone deserves to live to their full human potential has been the common theme in all of my endeavors.  My passion for midwifery and Women’s work stems from my desire to see that each new life enters this world with s/he and mother in  a place of peace, safety, and love– that that same entry will resonate throughout their lifetime and impact the rest of the world around them.

My training as a professional birth worker began in 2009 when I became a Doula  through toBirth (formerly ALACE). I attended births in various settings, principally in the hospitals, where I not only provided labor support but also served as an advocate for the mother and family against unnecessary medical interventions and towards safeguarding the birth and postpartum plan.  My work as a Doula was a great introduction to the field. As a doula, my primary responsibility was to offer techniques to ease the laboring process as well as be source of emotional and moral support.  Unlike doulas, midwives provide full-spectrum care for women throughout pregnancy and birth. She is trained to manage the birth for safety, “catch the baby”,  and intervene when it is necessary.

With the support and encouragement of my loving mother as well as of my mentor and Grand Midwife, Hafiza Rashid, I began my formal midwifery training in 2011 at Maternidad La Luz (MLL), a nationally accredited Midwifery school on the U.S./Mexican border in El Paso, TX. As a student midwife, I studied the art, science, and history of the field while honing critical skills at the  accompanying high-volume birth center.  95% of our clientele were the brave women and families of Ciudad de Juarez in Chihuahua, Mexico.  It was an incredibly humbling experience to work with the women of Juarez. heir stories, along with the bond of sisterhood that I formed with my fellow students amidst a year of extreme emotional and physical demands deepened my love and respect for all women. It was a true testimony that in the face of all challenges we are, in fact, perfect allies!

In 2012, I began working as the 2nd midwife to Christy Santoro, CPM of Motherland Midwifery.  This partnership has opened the door to offer balance and diversity in the birthing community,  and introduce Inner Circle Midwifery’s brand of service to the families of Philadelphia.

I am certified in Adult, Child and Infant CPR, Neonatal Resuscitation, and phlebotomy. I am a level II Reiki practitioner and a Holistic Health Coach. I specialize in nutrition for a plant-based diet and have been a vegetarian/vegan since 2004.

My greatest joy is being a mother, midwife, and a faithful servant of my Creator. I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to music, beautifying my surroundings, and learning and sharing new ways to improve upon myself and the lives of those around me!