We have trust in the process of birth and in mother/baby's ability to instinctually, find their unique way to birth.
Shelton Livingston LM, CPM, Doula
I believe that all mothers and babies have a right to safe, gentle and joyful birth experiences. I trust that gentle; compassionate beginnings encourage peaceful lives, which contribute to the peace we strive for on earth.
As a teenager, I recognized my passion for natural childbirth and started attending births at age 16. I have since been on a quest of collecting knowledge and wisdom about childbirth. Ive had 2 home births myself, one in 2000 and my second in 2014.
I earned my Doula certification thorough DONA in 2002. I then went to college to earn my BA in Community Studies with an emphasis on Women’s’ Health issues from UC Santa Cruz. In 2009, I enrolled in midwifery school though the National Midwifery Institute. I gained my clinical requirements through apprenticeship with community home birth midwives and at Thrive Birth Center in Santa Rosa.
I am a Certified Professional Midwife through NARM and Licensed Midwife through the California Medical Board. I also carry current CPR/BLS and Neonatal Resuscitation certifications.
Annmarie Russo LM, CPM, Doula
I think of myself as a practical, down to earth type of person. I tend to stay calm in intense situations. My children have taught me how to be a more patient person, which helps me greatly in my midwifery practice. I was called to midwifery after the birth of my son who was born at home in Mexico, attended by a midwife. His birth was empowering and joyful, and I discovered I had a strength that I had never known before. This experience inspired me to work with birthing families. I first trained as a doula and became a certified doula through DONA. I attended births as a doula for a number of years before I enrolled in the MEAC accredited midwifery training program at Maternidad la Luz, an academic school as well as a busy birth center in El Paso, Texas. I completed my training at Maternidad la Luz, moved back to California, and gave birth to my second child, a little girl, who I caught myself in the water at home. I completed my exams to became a NARM certified professional midwife and to obtain my midwifery license from the Medical Board of California. I have also attended over 300 births during my career.
I love midwifery for many reasons; I believe the way we are born has the potential to change the world. Midwifery meets me on a spiritual, intellectual, emotional, political and physical level. I am constantly learning from the families I serve and the other midwives I work with. I can’t deny that my favorite place to be is in between a women’s legs catching her baby– it is always an honor and a joy!
