I've always heard that giving birth to your first child will be the most surreal experience of your entire life, and after giving birth at home to my little one this year, I couldn't agree more. I connected with Peninsula Midwives in the second month of my pregnancy, after hearing only incredible reviews from women across town, and learned that Maya had just taken over the business from her predecessor and mentor, Kathy Luch. If you throw a rock in Port Townsend, you're liable to hit someone who had been delivered by Kathy - but don't throw rocks, it's just a turn of phrase! :D Maya had been under the tutiledge of Kathy for quite a few years, and it absolutely shows. Throughout my pregnancy (for which I was, admittedly, quite nervous) Maya was there every step of the way to ask the pertinent questions, offer helpful advice, and give compassionate care. She emphasizes informed consent, so there was never anything that was happening that she didn't educate me on- which I very much appreciated. The levels of professionalism, experience and knowledge she exhibited on a regular basis were remarkable- we were always driving home from a visit discussing what a professional she is. What's more rare, is is her ability to relate on an emotional level, when the occasion called for it. I always felt heard and respected. At the end of my pregnancy, I had gone two weeks past the due date, and she was checking in on me on a regular basis, taking my and baby's vitals at home visits. And when the time came, she was there in a jiffy with her incredible birth supplies and a stellar birth assistant (per my permission), and stayed until the wee hours of the morning ensuring we both were safe and comfortable. Also worth noting is that Maya is a certified lactation consultant- and no new mother is absolutely prepared for the second great feat of giving birth, getting a good latch that sets you up for a successful breastfeeding journey. Maya followed up several times in the weeks that followed, was genuinely interested in how we were faring, and offered additional support where it was needed. We have felt 100% supported in our experience with Peninsula Midwives.. and I walk away, so blissfully, from this birth with a profound respect for the work that these incredible women do every day (and night!). Did I mention they accept my insurance? Maya is a blessing to this community, and an honor to her profession, and I get to appreciate her dedication, compassion and composure every time I recall my birth experience. read more