My Story
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My passion for birth started when I was pregnant with my own first baby in 2008. I dove head first into reading about "what to expect" and immediately felt drawn towards natural undisturbed birth and doing things in a more holistic way. I became a doula in 2011, and a lactation peer counselor in 2013. After supporting others for a few years in these fulfilling roles, I realized this was not the destination in my birth work journey. The call to midwifery became undeniable, and I began school at Midwives College of Utah in 2015. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to learn from and work with some amazing mentors who have since become lifelong friends. I have been a practicing midwife since 2020 and I have loved every minute of getting to experience the joy right alongside families as they grow. No matter how much time passes, I remain in awe every day that I get to be a midwife in this lifetime.
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Originally from New York City, I spent a few years in Florida avoiding winter, and I have called northern Utah home since late 2016. I truly understand the term home is where the heart is. My husband and I are blessed with 8 children in our blended family, the last 2 born safely under water in our living room.
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My Philosophy
I believe that physiological birth matters. I believe how and where we choose to birth matters, and most of all, I believe that nobody but you gets to decide what that looks like and you have full autonomy in your care. I am here to help you make personalized and informed choices that you are comfortable with, come up with your best birth plan together, and help you feel safe, supported, comfortable, and empowered throughout your pregnancy and beyond. No two people are alike and no two pregnancies are alike. Your birth, your terms.
I am also passionate about making sure care remains consistent throughout the postpartum period as well, and that this important stage for healing, rest, and bonding is not neglected. This experience will be a moment in time that you won't forget for the rest of your life, and it is truly my honor to play a small part in it.
"I do not care what kind of birth you have.. a home birth, scheduled cesarean, epidural hospital birth, or if you birth alone in the woods next to a baby deer. I care that you had options, that you were supported in your choices, and that you were respected."
- January Harshe, Birth Without Fear
As a NARM approved preceptor, I am dedicated to mentoring the next generation of midwives through hands on learning and real world experience. Teaching is essential to ensuring that the art and science of midwifery continue to thrive. By working closely with students, I help them develop the skills needed to provide care to birthing families. With your consent, students may be involved in your prenatal/postpartum appointments and birth, under my close supervision, to gain the practical skills and confidence needed to become compassionate and competent midwives. Having students participate in your care not only provides them with invaluable experience but also enriches the care you receive, as it brings fresh perspectives and a collaborative spirit to the process.​Through this mentorship, I am proud to contribute to the future of midwifery and support the growth of knowledgeable, skilled midwives who will carry on this important work.
It is my goal to provide local families of any shape, color, or size with quality and affordable family centered care during their childbearing years. As a licensed midwife in both Utah and Idaho, and a NARM Certified Professional Midwife, My assistants and I are all trained in and keep current certifications in both Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) and provider CPR, and regularly participate in trainings and peer reviews for continuing education. As a NARM approved preceptor, I teach students and help pass along the art of traditional midwifery to the next generation of future midwives.
Student Midwife Alannah Mabrey
"Hi! My name is Alannah, and it is my greatest honor to support parents bringing new life into this world. My passion for midwifery began at a very young age when I would accompany my mother to prenatal appointments with her midwife during her pregnancies with my sisters.After leaving home, I joined the Army, where I met my husband, and we started our family. My first delivery was a hospital birth, which resulted in a traumatic cesarean section. However, my second and third babies were born via hospital VBACs, and my fourth was a home birth with Amanda and was a transformative experience for me. Sadly, we lost our fifth baby at 19 weeks due to unknown causes. My sixth and final baby was born underwater at home, which was the most healing moment of my life. Her birth was the catalyst for me to finally pursue midwifery after years of consideration.​I began studying under Amanda in June 2023 and am currently completing my academic studies at the Midwives College of Utah. I am filled with gratitude every day that I get to do this meaningful work."
Alannah is a committed student midwife, birth assistant, doula, and placenta specialist who is working on her clinical training under my supervision and through classes at the Midwives College of Utah. Alannah has a deep love for supporting families during one of the most transformative times in their lives and brings a warm, empathetic presence to every birth she attends.Alannah's journey into midwifery was inspired by her desire to empower people with knowledge and support, allowing them to have the birth experience they envision. She leans into her own hard experiences, and has a particular passion for supporting families desiring a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) and helping those navigating pregnancy after loss. Her compassionate approach ensures that these families receive the emotional and physical care they need to feel safe and supported during their journey, which is a cornerstone of our practice philosophy. Throughout her training with Chava Birth, Alannah has demonstrated exceptional dedication to learning. She actively participates in prenatal care, labor, and postpartum visits with me, always striving to deepen her understanding and skills. She is a valuable part of our team. I am proud to support her in her journey and look forward to seeing the positive impact she will make in the world of midwifery.