I am a Nurse-Midwife with a special focus in menopause and perimenopause.
Several years ago, I committed to learning more about this critical time in midlife women's lives. As my knowledge and competence increased over the years, I was drawn to focus my practice on caring for perimenopausal and menopausal women. I am a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner who loves learning and sharing that learning. Some of my professional details and certifications:
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Master's in Nursing from Oregon Health and Science University, 2007
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Certified Nurse-Midwife, American Midwifery Certification Board
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National Certified Menopause Practitioner (North American Menopause Society - NAMS)
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Member of: The International Menopause Society (IMS), The Menopause Society (formerly NAMS - the North American Menopause Society), American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), and International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
Read more about my menopause philosophy here.
But, aren't midwives for pregnant women?
Nurse-Midwives are a type of nurse-practitioner specializing in women's health. While our training includes caring for pregnant and birthing individuals, it also includes broader reproductive health care, for all ages. All the things that make midwives fabulous providers of pregnancy care make them excellent for people in the menopause transition as well. I see this in the following ways:
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As a midwife I understand that women's normal physiological processes are states of health. Menopause (like pregnancy) is not a deficiency or disease, though some women might experience significant problems during this time.
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As a midwife I value time with my patients. I prefer unhurried visits and take the time to understand my patients' stories and concerns.
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As a midwife I enjoy educating my patients and taking the time to answer their questions.
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I offer my patients knowledge of both prescription and complementary medicines, with a commitment to evidence based care, patient autonomy, and feminism.
As a midwife I also promote lifestyle habits that sustain and improve our health. I promote preventing disease as much as treating disease. At the same time, I understand not everyone is ready to make changes in health habits. If you're interested in lifestyle changes, I can help. If you aren't, that's ok too.