Kim Stanford, LM, CPM
(she/her)
My journey to midwifery came after the birth of my son, my second child, almost 16 years ago. My first birth, almost 21 years ago, was a traumatic one ending in an (authentically) emergency cesarean with a daughter born almost 5 weeks early and monitored for days in the NICU. When I became pregnant for the second time, I knew I wanted things to be different. Although I was told by my OB/GYN that it was ok to have a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) in the hospital, the experience once I began laboring proved to be anything but. Nothing was wrong - my baby and I were working perfectly together. I trusted my body and my baby, however, the hospital staff created an environment that was frustrating, abusive and anything BUT empowering. After advocating for myself and having amazing support with my then husband and my doula, I am happy to say that I am a successful, unmedicated VBAC in a hospital setting. Holding my son in my arms after a triumphant VBAC in the face of unnecessary adversity, I made the commitment that, when provided the opportunity, no person would be made to feel small, incapable or disempowered to make their own informed choice for their body, baby, pregnancy or birth.
I began as a doula sharing my story to local birth classes. At one event I met a local home birth midwife - I didn’t even know they existed - and before long, I was birth assisting and enrolling in school to become a Licensed Midwife. I have had the honor of working side by side with many amazing Licensed Midwives. Time and time again, I am in awe of the raw power of the human spirit and the birthing body.
I am a Licensed Midwife credentialed through the Medical Board of California and a Certified Professional Midwife through the North American Registry of Midwives. I hold a Bachelor's of Science degree in Human Services and have extensive education in nutrition and Ayurvedic medicine as an Ayurvedic Practitioner certified through the California College of Ayurveda. I am a member of the California Association of Licensed Midwives. Additionally, I hold a Birth Emergency Services Training Certification. Fun Fact: I am an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance of North America and even used to own a yoga studio, SEVA Space, in my cute little town of Winters, Ca.
Anyone who attends your birth will be certified in Neonatal Resuscitation and CPR/Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers.
I use my knowledge, education and experience in midwifery and Ayurvedic medicine to give each person a unique and tailored experience. I absolutely treasure the time-honored traditional model of midwifery and respect the evidence-based advances of modern medicine. I vow to uphold the midwifery philosophy of honoring birth as a normal, physiological process, as well as, empowering birthing people to trust their bodies and take responsibility of their health through compassion and education.
I have attended well over 600 births since 2010 in all settings. It would be an absolute privilege to attend yours.
Taylor Leigh
(she/her)
Stanford Midwifery Student Midwife/Doula/Birth Photographer
I am a Sacramento based yoga teacher, Student Midwife enrolled at National Midwifery Institute, Certified Birth Assistant through BABC and a DONA certified Birth Doula. I started teaching with the idea that I wanted to provide a space where people could be vulnerable, powerful and find strength within themselves. After teaching yoga for more than ten years, and hosting various immersions and women’s retreats, I began to see the importance of the work and discovered my passion for supporting others.
Becoming a midwifery student, birth assistant and doula is a result of my lived experience with my own births and a deep desire to hold space for other womxn. My first pregnancy started off as what I would describe as “perfect”. I was fortunate enough to not experience morning sickness. Every appointment with my midwife went wonderfully and I had never felt more beautiful.... The actual birth did not end the same way. My first child was stillborn. I carried her full term. After many attempts to find her heartbeat I was rushed to the surgical wing of the building. The doctors were ready to do everything possible, but my baby had already passed on. Right away, the physicians wanted to do a c-section. However, with the support of my partner, my midwife and doula, I was able to labor and birth this sweet baby on my own. My doula remained present with me the entire time. Between her and my midwife, I had never felt so loved and so cared for. The experience shaped me as a human being and as a mother.
My second child, a son, came two years later, brought into this world with the help and love of the very same midwife and doula. These two birthing experiences, different as they are, shaped my desire to honor and hold space for parents as they bring their child into this world.
I am committed to this work, today and every day.
Nicole Belit
(she/her)
Stanford Midwifery Postpartum Doula/Lactation Educator
I believe that every stage of the motherhood journey should be approached with intention. Pregnancy is more than just a physical transformation; it’s a profound journey to the WHOLE self.
My dedicated postpartum doula and lactation services are here to support you and your family every step of the way. I ensure both postpartum and breast/chestfeeding are times of empowerment, reflection, holistic well-being and bond building for you, your baby and your family. I offer
In-Home Overnight Support: Customized to Your Family’s Needs
Lactation Support & Education: My Approach is Supportive & Sustainable
I am a strong believer that you are not just expecting a baby, you are consciously embracing the beautiful transformation that motherhood and new life brings.
I am here to walk with you on your journey of intention and growth with boundless support.
Let me know how I can support: 707-732-4399