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About Us  |
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History of Birth Matters Northern Virginia
Before the statewide merger of childbirth resource groups, Northern Virginia Birth Matters was part of MOM (Midwifery Options for Mothers). MOM hosted free childbirth classes, study circles, maternity expos, quarterly newsletter, and held an annual award ceremony and dinner every year. The best of MOM has been woven seamlessly into the statewide group and Northern Virgnina Birth Matters is now connected to groups around the state that are equally committed to bringing evidence-based care to all women in their communities.
If you would like to obtain more information about Birth Matters or would like to get involved, please do not hesitate to contact us! In addition, we would be happy to hold an informational meeting or facilitate a personalized Birth Circle upon request.
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Tara Campbell Lussier
Chapter Director
 Although I am still in the process of growing my family, I have been involved in the birth world for several years. I feel grateful that I was called to become a doula by a dear friend in 2006 while living in Eugene, Oregon, a vibrant birth community.
I married my best friend, Mark, in June of 2008 and we are eagerly expecting the birth of our twins in the summer of '09. I am trained twice as an ALACE doula and I am currently attending births to complete my certification. I have already been a part of births in the hospital, birth center and home birth settings.
I am very excited about being a part of such an amazing organization as Birth Matters VA, and am also enjoying the birth community in Northern Virginia. My passions also include Yoga, as I am a Vinyasa yoga teacher, and in health and wellbeing, as I am a holistic health counselor. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns, questions or ideas (such as Birth Circle!) for Birth Matters Northern Virginia.
Sheryl Rivett
Birth Resource, Birth Circle Coordinator
The mother of four daughters, three of which were born in Loudoun County, I split my time between freelance writing, being a stay at home mom, and volunteering for Birth Matters. In the past I worked in the corporate world as a human resources trainer, graphic artist and technical editor; volunteer supervisor/trainer and caseworker for a non-profit lay community health organization working for pregnant teens and at-risk moms in Loudoun county; co-founded the Northern Virginia group Midwifery Options for Mothers (which merged with Birth Matters); and served on the Board of Medicine Advisory Board on Midwifery for three years.
While I’ve seen exciting changes in the years that I’ve been involved in childbirth advocacy, there is still so much to be done to make maternity care better for the next generation. We are lucky to live in a state where home birth midwives are legal, CNMs work alongside obstetricians in many of our hospitals, and doulas and childbirth educators are available across the state. But, our midwives face many obstacles to providing maternity care to the full extent of their training and many hospitals are still hostile toward women choosing home birth and doulas . There’s a lot of work to be done!
My four home births were each powerful in their own way and my positive experiences keep me focused on a vision of what birth can be for the majority of women. No matter where a woman chooses to birth or what complications she may encounter, she has the right to a satisfying, empowering and magical experience. Anything less is unacceptable. Come join us at our Northern Virginia meetings ! We’d love to hear your stories and answer questions. That’s what we’re here for.
Sheryl's blog: www.womensvoiceswomenshealth.org .
Mari Stutzman Smith
Birth Resource
 I am excited to be involved in the work of Birth Matters VA and looking forward to meeting other moms and soon-to-be mamas! My husband, Ben, and I welcomed our darling son, Maximilian, into this world in October 2008. Throughout my pregnancy, I focused all my energy and resources into getting informed about my options concerning my birth and feel every soon-to-be mother deserves the same opportunity. At Birth Matters VA we are trying to do just that!
I am a doula trained through toLabor , formerly known as ALACE , which is the oldest doula training organization in the country. I provide wholesome birth support for expecting mothers and families! Other passions include spending time with my family, traveling, extended breastfeeding, supporting local/organic farmers in providing sustainable food, environmental accountability -both globally and individually, and involvement in my church, where I am currently acting as Leadership Co-Chair. I have a business degree from George Mason University and am confident that furthering my education is somewhere in the future!
My commitment with the Northern Virginia chapter of Birth Matters VA is to support, educate and encourage women about their birthing options, enabling women to embrace their birth as the life changing, empowering experience that it is!
Mari's Website: Celebrated BIRTH: Northern Virginia Doula
Kristin Hickman
Birth Resource, Former Director
 I am a stay-at-home mom to three wonderful children, ages 6, 4 and 2 years. I was drawn to Birth Matters after the birth of my third child. During my first two pregnancies, I was blessed to have been surrounded by a great support system and under the care of fantastic midwives. And as a result, I brought both my girls into the world naturally with my husband right by my side. During my third pregnancy, I found myself under the care of an obstetrician who was unsupportive of me and my wishes for a natural delivery. Following the suggestion of a good friend, I switched practices at 37 ½ weeks to a local midwife group and had the birth experience I had hoped and planned for with my son. For me, Birth Matters is an opportunity to share my experiences and lend support to other women and, more importantly, get support in return. It is also a way for me to help change the culture of birth - right here where I live - and be involved in something larger than my own life. |
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| Birth Matters Virginia does not directly promote any provider, business, religion or service. While we make every effort to insure our listed resources are mother friendly and support evidence based care, BMV can make no guarantees as to their practices. It is the responsibility of the consumer to familiarize themselves with the accreditation, training and practices of the professionals they hire. As an educated consumer we encourage you to work with those who support your personal beliefs. All information provided by BMV is intended for informational use only and is not meant for use as professional advice. |
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