We are former members of Midwifery Options for Mothers, a consumer-based group dedicated to educating our community about the Midwifery Model of Care. In 2005, we joined together with other Virginia birth groups to form Birth Matters. Our focus has now broadened to include education about all evidence-based childbirth.

Local Director: Julie Pettler
My first daughter, Zoe, was born at a free-standing birth center in Pittsburgh. Our midwife was peaceful, calm and knowledgeable. When I told her I felt as if I were splitting in two, she smiled and said "That is exactly what it is supposed to feel like." I could then relax into it and deliver my beautiful baby. This birth was so different than the birth stories I had previously heard or seen on TV. It changed my understanding of birth forever. My next two daughters, Olivia and Sophia, were born at home into the loving hands of midwives.

My husband, Stephen, and I chose midwives to help us during pregnancy and birth, because for a low risk pregnancy, we learned that midwife- assisted births are less likely to result in medical intervention. For us, the privacy of a small birthing center and then our own home allowed us to relax and focus on the work of delivering our children.

I am now the local director of Birth Matters Winchester. My passion for birth and birth education came about because of my life-changing birth experiences. Through meetings and birth circles, I hope to create a community where birth is valued and trusted, where families are educated so they may make the best possible choices for their birth. I believe through education and a community of support, we can change the culture of birth in Winchester.