KatiAnn welcomes your inquiry and invites you to explore information about your maternity care options. "We are always available to discuss any concerns regarding non-hospital birth options."
My Personal Perspective
After more than 20 years working as a healthcare professional I have come to view the current paradigm of medicalized maternity care as an impediment to "normal" birth! I am thankful that Obstetrical Care has been such an asset to the pregnancy in crisis. But most pregnancies are not in crisis and by treating them as such many naturaly unfolding pregnancies and labors have been disrrupted. Technology has often been overused without any documentation of benefit (and often strong documentation of causing problems)
Take the use of fetal electronic monitoring. Several medical journals, are filled with studies which conclude there are no better outcomes for moms or babies when using this device. These same studies show a high incidence of interventions and cost (including more c/sections).
There are also plenty of observations which show that keeping a woman in bed on a monitor slows all phases of labor. Yet the major hospital-focused solution to this isn't to get mom up and active (in spite of studies from around the world that demonstrate that gravity and activity are very effective at promoting functioning labor). No - it is "let's start some pitocin."
Maternity Care from midwives includes thorough pre-conception counseling along with comprehensive prenatal, birth, postpartum care and newborn guidance. KatiAnn and the WSM staff strive to make your birthing experience the special event you wish it to be.
KatiAnn Watson -a mother of five - is a licensed midwife in Colfax, Washington. As a student midwife KatiAnn was involved in supporting over 100 births. Licensed in 1993, she opened her practice in March of that year.
CLIENT QUOTES
"To KatiAnn, midwifery is more than just "catching" babies."
"She doesn't just provide maternity care, she has become a friend and mentor to our new family."
"This is my 3rd baby but first homebirth. I was afraid I would need the pain medicine I used before. It hurt but the midwife and my husband were so helpful. I did it and it was the best feeling. Women should know this is just so much better."
Mothers and fathers have learned the personal dedication a midwife offers extends far past the impersonal care of many medical oriented practices. If there is a question you may call at anytime. No question is too trivial and no worry is minimized. You are always treated with respect and care.
EDUCATION
KatiAnn obtained her education by earning a Washington State Rural Physician, Pharmacist and Midwife Scholarship to attend the Seattle Midwifery School. This scholarship was designed to bring health care providers to rural areas of Washington State, where they are badly needed. KatiAnn was one of only 3 recipients in the first year this was awarded.
KatiAnn
Graduated from Seattle Midwifery School in February 1993. This training emphasized holistic maternity care, with minimal interventions at birth.
Works with midwives and physicians in both home and hospital settings.
Served on Board of Directors for the Midwives Association of Washington State from 1994-96 including a year as treasurer.
Stays current with advances in maternity and midwifery care by attending periodic conferences. She is also involved in educational workshops with area midwives.
ICEA trained prepared chilbirth instructor; 2 years teaching and providing doula support at Whitman Community Hospital; 3 years teaching classes for the Whitman County Health Department;
Former Director of Respiratory Care at Whitman Community Hospital; and 12 years as a respiratory therapist in major tertiary hospital facilities in Seattle And Portland. This included extensive critical care duties in Adult, Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units.
Other Wind Song Midwifery staff include:
Their biographies are coming!
Send KatiAnn an email message
to answer any of your questions.
These pages are copyright © 1998 by Wind Song Midwifery, 402 Enos Rd, Colfax, Washington 99111