Michigan/Indiana Midwife

[Mom2SammyJoe]

I'm new to all of this, but I am looking for some help. I am considering an HBAC birth in April. I have found a midwife and plan to meet with her next week. I was just wondering if anyone else has used her or knows about her. Her name is Ireena Keeslar, and she lives in Howe, IN. She is willing to travel to Kalamazoo to attend me or I have the option of going to her small, private birth ceter in Colon, MI. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

[fairydoula]

Originally Posted by Mom2SammyJoe

I'm new to all of this, but I am looking for some help. I am considering an HBAC birth in April. I have found a midwife and plan to meet with her next week. I was just wondering if anyone else has used her or knows about her. Her name is Ireena Keeslar, and she lives in Howe, IN. She is willing to travel to Kalamazoo to attend me or I have the option of going to her small, private birth ceter in Colon, MI. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

There are two midwives closer to you, Janice Marsh-Prelesnik in Galesburg and Linda Healy in B.C., have you talked to them? They are both very experienced, and Linda has an apprentice that I believe is doing births on her own now, Kim, and I know Janice has an apprentice also, not yet taking clients on her own.
Hope that helps.
www.creativebirthingarts.com is Janice's site.
Linda doesn't have a site that I know of, but if you pm, I can get you her number.

Nothing against Ireena, I understand she is a very strong christian woman and experienced midwife. She's just a bit far from you, and prenatals would be a trek. I believe Linda does all prenatals in your home... not sure about Janice.
hope that helps some
- Jen

[636Jen]

+1 for Janice Marsh-Prelesnik

[Mom2SammyJoe]

Thanks to both. I talked to Linda, and though I live a little farther than she normally travels, I am 20 miles closer to her than Ireena. Linda said we would do some prenatals at my home and some at hers, due to the distance. Ireena said I would need to travel to her for all PNs.
DH and I go to meet Ireena Thursday, just to check things out. Linda is mailing me some info and said to call her if we want her to come here to meet with us. I probably will.
I know Janice is the closest, but I like the idea of having a midwife with my same spiritual beliefs. I am considering calling her, though.
Thanks for your help! Ireena seems qualified, I just can't find anyone she has attended. I wonder if they are all Amish?

[celia1501]

Ireena Keeslar

Ireena Keeslar recently (Aug 30) attended the birth of our first child at our home in Goshen. She was amazing! She knew our birth plan and wanted we wanted for our birth. She's easy to talk with and is very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend her.

[JAMayer]

A True Blessing

My husband & I are expecting our first child VERY soon (9.30.08)! Ireena is our midwife and I think she has been a blessing from God. We have studied how we wanted our birth and talked to many places, people, etc. We feel she has been our best choice. She has much experience and respects what you would like, while still giving her honest opinion/advice. She has made our pregnancy so much more comfortable and natural compared if we were going to go with someone else or a clinic setting. We are very thankful that God sent her our way. Good luck with your pregnancy journey!

[sadean]

I don't know Ireena, bur do know both Janice and Linda and would recommend them to anyone. I also recommend Mary Doezema, but I am not sure if she will come up to Kzoo anymore. She works predominately with the Amish in southern MI and northern IN.