Collaborative Health & Education Center
OUR MISSION
Due to the unique disposition of Vashon Island, families seeking support in perinatal and reproductive health are faced with barriers that limit their access to safe, convenient, and affordable care.
We are here because EVERYONE deserves exceptional and reliable healthcare, despite financial means or other barriers.
OUR SERVICES
Midwifery Care
Our midwifery services are available to all families, regardless of where they plan to give birth. Offered as a bundle of services, or selected individually, based on the client’s needs. Services include full service midwifery, prenatal care, childbirth doula, postpartum and newborn care, and are provided on island, in our clinic or from the client’s home.
Doula Services
A childbirth doula is a skilled professional providing emotional support, information and education, and physical comfort to birthing people before, during, and shortly after childbirth. A postpartum doula is here to accompany newly postpartum families through the transitional time at home with a new baby.
Lactation Support
In depth, one-on-one lactation support from the client’s home or in our clinic office. Our lactation services are available to all island families and are provided by licensed midwives.
Perinatal Mental Health Care
1 in 5 pregnant people experience perinatal mental health illness, and only approximately 15% of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are diagnosed. Our in-house, licensed mental health provider will be available to work with all Vashon Island Midwifery clients for prevention and treatment, as a part of integrated routine pregnancy and postpartum care.
Preconception Care
“Pathways to Pregnancy” is a comprehensive program that addresses fertility, nutrition, preconception health screening and testing, genetic health screening, counseling and conception support through IUI (intrauterine insemination) or referring for IVF if necessary.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
Welcome! I am so happy that you are here.
Vashon Island Midwifery was founded on the premise that every birthing person deserves comprehensive, compassionate and safe reproductive and perinatal healthcare as a basic human right.
Myself, and my fellow co-founder, Lauren Strain, came together with a shared belief that exceptional healthcare should not be reserved for those who have the means to pay for it, thus we created a high-quality, highly personalized healthcare practice that is available to all birthing families on Vashon Island who are interested in receiving local pregnancy care. We’re focused on closing the gap for island families who face barriers to safe, convenient, and affordable care. In doing so, we’re also supporting our local providers and educators so that it will remain viable for them to be in service to this community.
It is our gift to Vashon and in fulfillment of our personal passions that we bring you Vashon Island Midwifery. Our midwifery practice utilizes the ancient, artful technologies of perinatal healthcare, passed down from generation to generation, in collaboration with evidence-based, modern medicine. Midwifery care has been shown to be the safest option for low-risk pregnancies, with the best outcomes for parents and babies. It is in the care of our providers that you may be empowered in your connection to your physical, psychological, and social well-being.
No matter where you intend to give birth, know that we are here in support of you.
May you have the resources and support to be held in the tenderness and resiliency of this perinatal experience.
May you trust in the intelligence of yourself, your body, and your inner knowing.
May you experience what it feels like to surpass your perceived limits of all you thought was possible inside of yourself.
With sincerity,
Katelyn Costley
CORE VALUES
CLIENT-CENTERED CARE
HEALTH EQUITY
INFORMED DECISION MAKING
TRAUMA-INFORMED
REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE
BIPOC & LGBTQIIA + SUPPORTIVE
RESPECT FOR CULTURAL VALUES
CONFIDENTAL
We acknowledge that our community occupies the land of the sx̌ʷəbabš ("swiftwater people").
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Childbirth Education Series
The childbirth education class meets once a week for 6 weeks.
Taught by licensed midwife, Lauren Strain, and covering a range of topics that allow for a deep understanding of the childbirth experience.
This series is also a great way to meet other expectant parents!
Cost: $250 per family
Dates: January 26th through March 2nd, Tuesdays Evenings
Time: 7-9pm
(Currently a virtual class)
Pregnancy in a Pandemic
This is a community support group for anyone currently pregnant. Connection is always important for pregnant individuals, and during these unprecedented times, our human need for connection is even more vital! Facilitated by Katelyn Costley.
Ongoing, bi-monthly, drop-in offering
Days: every other Saturday starting January 23, 2021
Time: 10am - 12pm
Suggested Donation: $15 per class (Currently a virtual group)
Postpartum & Parenting
Life with Baby is a free, facilitated postpartum and parenting support group co-hosted by our licensed midwife, Katelyn Costley and VYFS Family Place's Christine Wood and Mary Rose.
8-week cohort, Tuesdays at 12:30pm, beginning
September 28th-November 16th.
Register by emailing familyplace@vyfs.org
(Currently a virtual group)
TESTIMONIALS
"I felt incredibly well taken care of and advocated for during my birth process. Lauren was detail-oriented and brought a presence and sense of humor to her work that I really appreciated. Most importantly, she put my health and the health of my baby before all else. If you're looking for compassionate and comprehensive midwifery care, Vashon Island Midwifery is the place!"
CONTACT US
Vashon Island Midwifery
vashionislandmidwifery.com | Email: info@vashionislandmidwifery.com