We must be careful about saying these things. Midwives do NOT empower women. Women are naturally strong; we carry our own power, and that inner power is not something that a midwife or anyone else can bestow.

The very best that women and midwives can hope to accomplish together, is that of experienced women reaching out to and taking the journey with our less-experienced sisters, so our natural strength and inner power can be found, nurtured and held up for each other to see and appreciate, like an image in a mirror, that confirms and affirms what we know, deep down, in our bones to be true, but which we are sometimes afraid to embrace.

We are not talking here about an age exchange. All women are more familiar in some things and less practiced in others. In the true midwifery spirit, both the "midwife" and the women she walks the path with, are able to grow as human beings by our interactions with each other.

As we grow, we can begin to understand how the strength of our grandmothers, mothers, sisters, daughters and granddaughters reflects our own inner strength. When we can see that power all around us, in every age, shape, size and generation, we can begin to see ourselves truly-capable of whatever mountain, hurdle or difficulty that needs to be overcome.

At the end of the day, or many days, a woman who has known and walked with a midwife will look at her accomplishments and say, "I did it myself; if I can do this, I can do anything."

Home Oriented Maternity Experience -- "H.O.M.E. Meetings"

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Third Saturday of each month/ Group prenatal care following

October 15, 2011        Introduction, Parental Responsibilities,   Advantages of Home Birth

November 19, 2011    Psychological Aspects of Birth and Normal   Birth

December 17, 2011    Supplies, Equipment, Set-up

January 21, 2012    Unexpected Situations, Medical Considerations

February 18, 2012    Newborn Appearance, Breastfeeding and Care

"H.O.M.E. Meetings" are a tradition of home birth families dating back to April, 1974 when a group of five women conceived the idea of an educational organization for couples needing information and support for home birth.  Since then, H.O.M.E. grew into a cohesive group of parents and birth attendants who support safe home birth in nearly every state in the U.S.  and in Israel.

The H.O.M.E. series consists of five meetings which are offered free of charge and cover all aspects of home birth.  Resources such as books, video showings, literature and professional assistance are provided.  Mothers, fathers, family members, friends and any interested persons are encouraged to participate in the full series because it is the parents' responsibility to prepare for a safe home birth.

The Home Oriented Maternity Experience is devoted to helping couples achieve the optimum experience of a safe home birth; bringing together those who have had home births, those who want home birth, professionals and childbirth educators.

Midwife, Alice Skenandore, formerly of the Las Vegas Area Midwives, introduced H.O.M.E. to northeast Wisconsin when she re-located to Oneida in 1992.  In conjunction with Alice Skenandore and Wise Women Gathering Place, we began offering H.O.M.E. meetings in August 1997.  Since then we have had the pleasure of organizing approximately 140 H.O.M.E. Meetings and the honor of serving over 675 participants.  


Oak Grove Midwifery of Green Bay,Wisconsin
Stacy Vandenput, CPM, LM
(920) 562-9058 PHONE
(920) 593-8136 FAX
EMAIL:  info@oakgrovebirthcenter.com

2011 Country Midwife, LLC

In loving memory

Ty Clark, May 16, 1982-August 23, 2011

An inspiring young man with a bountiful heart & soul.

You will be missed. Godspeed my friend.

Cards, thoughts and donations

can be sent to Ty's mother:

Marjorie Hunter

1038 Painted Post Dr.

Madison, Wisconsin 53716

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