Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanette Dayley.
Hi Jeanette, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am the daughter of a natural childbirth instructor and the big sister to two homebirthed siblings. Growing up, I knew that birth was one of the most momentous things that could happen in life and I was excited to be able to start my own family when I was older. When those babies were born I came to realize how important it was to find providers who shared my vision and philosophy, that whether there were harmony or disjunction there, this had real consequences in the outcomes of my births. I was blessed to work with several midwives who not only shared my vision and provided me with excellent education and resources, but who also strongly encouraged me to listen to and trust my inner voice in making decisions for my care. This foundation of empowerment, autonomy, and trust blessed me not only during my births, but in countless ways along my motherhood journey.
Following the birth of my youngest, I completed my education as a Master Herbalist and then officially began my training in midwifery. This has been a life-changing journey. During these years of attending births I have been able to get to know, witness and support incredible people as they step with conviction, wisdom, good humor, and joy into the roles of Mother and Father. I continue to learn from and be inspired by women who intuitively navigate the wild and beautiful design of physiological childbirth. I am always grateful for the privilege to stand on the sacred ground where new families are born.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As any working parent can attest, balancing the needs of home and children with outside work is always a challenge, and midwifery is no different. In addition, the on-call nature of waiting for a baby to arrive in its own time, means that many days must have a plan B already in place in case that is the day baby chooses. I am blessed to have friends, family, and children who have been gracious, kind and helpful in making important things happen in my home, so that I can step away for a time and support other families when I am needed there.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I provide midwifery services for families seeking home birth. Within that setting, I also support waterbirth, VBAC, and breech birth. I also incorporate teaching about herbal medicine and other natural therapies into my prenatal appointments as these have been helpful tools to me in motherhood and in my personal health journey.
One of my top priorities is supporting families in making informed decisions. As I work to provide education and resources, my hope is that they can feel confident and competent as they make choices concerning their care. Pregnancy is a time of heightened intuition. When that intuition is combined with sound education, useful new tools for health-building, and respectful support for decision-making and autonomy, women can come out of their births knowing that they have the capacity to thrive in the role of motherhood.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
One of my favorite parts of home birth care is in the postpartum period. Standard care in the US typically ends with discharge from the hospital, and there is often no care between that point and the six-week postpartum visit. I provide a minimum of two in-home visits in the first week to ensure that mom and baby are adjusting and healing well, and that breastfeeding is going as planned. There can be so many issues that come up during this important period, and families can sometimes feel adrift without postpartum care. I love knowing that my families have the physical and emotional support that they need.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wiseheartmidwifery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiseheartmidwifery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581223062818
