Testimonial for Vanessa Lewis, CPM (Cert Professional Midwife), CBD, PEP

(Continued from above.) I am indeed spiritually minded which is purposefully shared on my website in my About section, reflected in the name and also in my email signature. However, I remain strictly professional in visits discussing only information about labor and birth. Religion is never a topic unless specifically initiated by a client and related to birth experience. I do not discriminate against opposing religions or lack thereof. My ideals about birth have remained mine. Of the 60 doula clients I've attended, 57 have been planned hospital births this client is included in 3 planned homebirths number. In addition to the 1 doula client who planned a homebirth and birthed at home (both this client and a preterm labor client transferred), I have attended 5 homebirths as an apprentice midwife with 2 CPMs present and have birthed 2 children of my own - the first a transport from home to hospital and the second at home. I began my journey into midwifery before doula support. This is the first and only loss I've attended. All I can truly say is, I wholeheartedly support and praise each client's decisions, whatever they may be. It is not my birth, my baby or my body so I will never attempt to steer decisions. I have supported women who want epidurals, analgesics, natural birth, ultrasounds, no ultrasounds, etc. How that may be conceived as "brainwashing" is unknown. Although, I can not accept responsibility for a loss which I had no power over, I have experienced a deep hurt in her grief and will continue to care deeply and lovingly for this client. Should she ever need or want, I have conveyed I will still stand by her side.

-Vanessa Lewis

May 03, 2016