Northern Glow Midwifery LLC provides relational, family centered midwifery care by a Licensed Midwife in Traverse City and surrounding Northern Michigan.
Care for those who seek agency and autonomy for their body, childbirth, and baby, and want a guide to walk the path with them.
Birth is transformative and life changing. At Northern Glow Midwifery, I believe that birth can also be joyful and sacred. Birth empowers women, birthing people, and families and ushers them into their parenting journey. Pregnancy and birth is a time to GLOW and flourish.
During this natural process, my job as your midwife is to partner with you to monitor your progress and help address your physical and emotional needs, as well as the health of both you and your baby. Midwifery services at Northern Glow Midwifery are centered on a healthy pregnancy and a trusting relationship with your midwife. We will discuss all necessary decisions together in detail so that you are able to make choices that are best for you and respected by your caregivers. You are in charge of your body and your birth during the entire process.
Who is Eligible for a Home Birth?
Out of Hospital birth with a Licensed Midwife is reserved for low-risk pregnancies and is regulated by state license rules. A family should only choose a home birth if they are comfortable with the added transport time to the hospital in case of complications and if they believe having a baby out of hospital is a safe option for them. A candidate for home birth recognizes that pregnancy and birth carry certain inevitable risks that are out of their control no matter where they choose to have their baby. If you are wondering if you are eligible, make a free appointment to discuss your history and interest.
What Happens in an Emergency?
Kristen has extensive training in how to manage obstetrical emergencies and how to stabilize for an emergency transfer to the hospital, if needed. There will be two Licensed Midwives at your birth to provide more expertise and hands. Kristen Shook is certified in CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation Program. Read How Emergencies are Handled »
What is Midwifery care? How is my midwife trained?
Kristen Shook, LM, CPM was trained both in an apprenticeship model as well as an accredited midwifery school. Her training included both an academic degree through an accredited college as well as hands on training with a senior Certified Professional Midwife.
What if I want Postpartum care by a midwife after having prenatal care and hospital birth with an OB?
My Practice
Your Birth will be attended by Kristen Shook, LM, CPM as well as another Licensed Midwife (LM). Whenever possible, there is a third assistant who is also certified in Neonatal Resuscitation.
“Birth doesn't ask you to be fearless. It asks you to be brave.” - Britta Bushnell
Trust
Trust is a hallmark in midwifery care and is crucial between clients and birth provider. As your midwife, I will assure that you are in charge of your own experience. The relationship between client and midwife becomes more like family by the end of care! See what clients have said about Kristen Shook, LM, CPM.