Pregnant with my first child, I found myself engrossed in
maternal nursing textbooks, grasping for every tiny bit of
information I could get my hands on. I entered the lion's den of
motherhood armed only with a few books and a hospital “Johnny”. I
walked away from my experience surprisingly unscathed but with a
desire to find a better way.
From a very young age, I have been interested in helping people.
So, it came as no surprise to find myself feeling a deep passion for
midwifery. I am able to care for, support, educate, and empower
women and their families to choose the very best birth experience
for them.
I began my career in maternal and newborn health care as a
Breastfeeding Counselor for WIC. I loved the support and education I
was able to provide the new mothers and wanted to learn more. I then
became a Doula. From there, armed with more knowledge and an
increased love of birth, I decided it was time to take the next step
and enroll in midwifery school. As a single mother of two small
boys, I put myself through midwifery school working in a local
hospital as an OB-Tech. I attended The Utah Association of Community
Midwives, followed by an extensive apprenticeship. In 2003 I began
taking clients and opened private practice, fulfilling my dream. I
currently hold a license in the state of Utah as a Licensed
Direct-Entry Midwife (LDEM) and the state of New Mexico as
Licensed Midwife (LM). I am also nationally certified through
the North American Registry of Midwives (www.narm.org) as a Certified
Professional Midwife (CPM). I hold current Neonatal Resuscitation
(NRP) and Basic Life Support (CPR for the professional)
certifications.
I am an active person always looking for more ways to enjoy life.
I find laughter, humor, love and the company of good people to be
necessary ingredients to this quest. I love camping, backpacking,
hiking, and just about anything outdoors. I dabble in biking,
snowboarding, running and occasionally admire golf
(from the cart). I like to knit baby hats and various items on my
Knifty Knitter. I love a good chic flick, a box of tissues and
chocolate.
I like to stay active in my community through politics and
volunteering. I have organized and facilitated numerous conferences,
workshops and health focused community events.
I worked on the Utah Friends of Midwives legislative
committee and Board of Directors. We fought for the
legalization of Direct-Entry Midwives in the state of
Utah. Utah now enjoys the freedom to practice legally with
or without a license. After legislation passed, I moved on to
presidency with the Utah Midwives Association. Early 2009 my family
and I moved to the Albuquerque area. I look forward to
learning about my new community here in New Mexico.
I'm a deeply passionate, outgoing, no
nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is kinda' girl with my heart and
soul on my sleeve. As you get to know me, you will learn I just
love my mamas and babies, and I have a great desire and
commitment to empower you in your birth.
Believe! Jules Johnstun,
Midwife from Jules
Johnstun on Vimeo.
Women have everything they need within themselves to birth their
babies in a way that is safe and satisfying for both mother and
baby. This video is a beautiful and inspiring depiction of my belief
in women and birth. This video was created as a tribute to those who
have walked the path and empowerment to those preparing for their
journey. Many thanks to all the mamas and babes who so generously
shared. Song by: Amanda Marshall www.midwifejules.com
Midwives Model of Care
Monitoring the physical, psychological, and social well being
of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle
Providing the mother with individualized education,
counseling, and prenatal care, continuous hands-on assistance
during labor and delivery, and postpartum support
Minimizing technological interventions
Identifying and referring women who require obstetrical
attention
I have chosen to care for my clients in this way, because the
application of this woman-centered model of care has been proven to
reduce the incidence of birth injury, trauma, and c-section.
Jules Johnstun, CPM, LM (NM),
LDEM (UT), PES O:505.796.68.90 C:801.618.5491 Email:
Jules@MidwifeJules.com Rio Rancho, New
Mexico