A Bit About Me
Mom, Wife, Midwife
Aloha, I am Melissa (Missy), the primary Midwife at Zen Den Midwifery. My journey with holistic health care started many years ago. I began my work as a second generation massage therapist (1997), in my home town of Macon Georgia. Birth work stole heart in 2004 when I attended a Doula Conference. I had already expanded my healthcare experience. I merged this healing wonderful work seamlessly with my massage and yoga practice. I dove in, two feet, into the nurturing and rewarding world of supporting families through the journey of birth. You're witnessing the birth of a child, yes. But also the birth of a parent, a sibling, a grand parent... as a little one comes earthside it changes so many dynamics. A whole family, and world, changed forever.
I attended births as a labor doula, therapist and montrice for many years before attending midwifery School. During this time I began studying anything birthy. I completed Childbirth educator trainings, Lactation education, understanding your newborn teacher trainings, infant massage, placental medicine, waterbirth certificate and so much more... In 2012 I began my formal journey into Midwifery. I attended and graduated from Birthwise Midwifery School, a three year MEAC approved program in Bridgton, Maine. I am a Certified Professional Midwife through North American Registry of Midwives, (NARM) and hold a Hawai'i state Midwifery license in good standing.
I wear many hats, as a Mom (all four of my babies born lovingly at home) and wife to an amazing home birth supporter and husband. Life is full.
I know with every part of me that people are supposed to be honored, when birthing, and being born. I hope my care allows this natural reverence to be palpable and present. As a Midwife my job is to guard "normal", to be the guardrails for the families I work with to preventatively bypass issues. My job is to help recognize if the pregnancy, labor or postpartum has moved away from 'normal' and be proactive to bring it back to center. My care is based on a collaborative care model. I believe offering unbiased education and support allows birthing parents to be actively involved in their care and outcomes. I crave learning, and strive to be the best I can be. I maintain current Neonatal resuscitation (NRP), CPR and participate in ongoing peer reviews and continuing education. I am on the Midwives Alliance of Hawai'i (MAH) board as the Maui Island Representative (since 2016). I am ever grateful for the Maui community and the privilege to live and practice here. With gratitude, I host monthly free offerings to the community, open to all, whether they choose to birth at home or not. I also host quarterly local community based programs extending the Zen Family. Homebirth is an amazing option for low risk birthing people and babies. Some preexisting conditions can risk you out of a safe home birth. A consultation can determine, not only if we are a good match for care, but if we may need more information or testing to decide if home is right for you.
I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have about midwifery and birth plan options. Consultations can be in person or on the phone and they are always free.
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