Jessica Petrone, CPM

My enthusiasm for natural childbirth led me to become a birth doula. As a doula, I would attend women in labor and accompany them to the hospital. I served as an emotional and physical support person for the laboring family. I also provided information and insight, always advocating for natural childbirth. I was very happy to be learning how to be with women in labor and I was well received. However, serving as a doula in the conventional setting of a hospital became unbearable. No longer could I willingly watch women and babies be mistreated as I helplessly held their hands.

I began to read books, attend workshops, midwifery events, conferences and everything related to birth. I soon realized that there were women all over Massachusetts giving birth at home with the assistance of midwives. A notion that captivated my very soul. It became clear to me that if I was truly going to learn how to be with women during birth, I had to learn it in the most unhindered setting... home.

My search for a midwife who was willing to train me began. I've been influenced by several wonderful midwives, and I am ever so grateful to my mentor midwives and the women they have served for allowing me to observe and participate in their births. Textbooks, study groups, workshops and the like have supplemented my learning along the way. But, the age old apprenticeship style of learning is the very heart of midwifery. It is essential and superior to any other style of learning. I continued my formal education in a degree granting academic program through the National College of Midwifery (www.midwiferycollege.org) in Taos, New Mexico.

I am a member of the Massachusetts Midwives Alliance, a member of ALACE (Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators), and a member of Birth Year Network (a Southeastern Mass, Cape and Islands Birth Resource Network). I hold certifications in CPR, Neonatal Resuscitation and IV Administration.

I love being a midwife, it feels right.

It just so happens that I come from a family of midwives and healers. One of my Great-Grandmothers was a traveling horseback midwife! Another Grandmother was a community midwife, she learned from her mother and Aunt who were also midwives. I never had the opportunity to meet these women, and unfortunately, their skills and knowledge died with them. It is my privilege to fulfill this calling and serve my community.