Nine Short Months
Wendy Pinter, Midwife
My name is Wendy Pinter. I started my doula service after finding out I was pregnant with my third child in 2001, although I had worked with people during their births for 5 years prior to that. I found that needing support for my own pregnancy really ignited a fire in me to learn about and share with others how to have a normal birth. The information and medical research I gathered to assist in my own birth has gone on to help scores of families during their births. It was during this time that I also saw the need for a home birth midwife in North Oakland County. I knew that if I ever came across the chance to gain the training I would need to provide this service, I would definitely take it on. It was thrilling to me when the right time came along and I started an apprenticeship in midwifery. I studied the art of midwifery for three years, sitting under the supervision of a variety of midwives in order to find the style and technique that would suit my practice best. Having completed the North American Registry of Midwives educational and experience requirements that are needed in order to sit for the certification exam, I am now providing primary midwifery care. As of January 2009, I have attended a total of 265+ births.
I am certified in infant, child and adult CPR, as well as neonatal resuscitation. I have received birth doula certification and postpartum doula training from DONA International. I am a Lamaze certified childbirth educator. As a trained RTS perinatal grief support person, I provide birth assistance free of charge to families that have experienced early to late term miscarriage, the death of their unborn or born infant, or another devastating diagnosis during pregnancy. This service is supported by financial donations from my clients.
Dream a Little Dream Doula Services, LLC
Jen Henderson, Birth and Postpartum Doula
I am a DONA-certified birth doula and CBI-trained postpartum doula. Working as a doula has been a rewarding experience, and has taught me much about myself and those around me.
Through my own four births, I’ve had babies in just about every setting available in our area: The hospital (under two occasions–one good and one not-so-good); a local birthing center under the care of a certified nurse midwife; and, finally, in a birth tub within my own home with a midwife. While I am not necessarily biased to one experience over the other, I do hold a special place in my heart for my homebirth. My feeling is that I, personally, have had my share of pleasant birth experiences to temper the scars left behind by one not-so-pleasant experience I had early on. I see the value in each possible birth setting, so I have no trouble respecting your decision to give birth where you feel most comfortable.
I am certified in Adult/Child/Infant CPR through the AHA (American Heart Association); Neonatal Resuscitation through the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics); have attended a Spinning Babies workshop; and founder of Doulas Share, which is a support and networking group for doulas in the Southeast Michigan area.
Novi Chiropractic Clinic
Dr. Patricia L. Chelenyak, D.C. Chiropractor/Owner
Education
1979-82 Doctor of Chiropractic, Life University, Marietta, Georgia
1977-79 Pre-Chiropractic, Eastern Michigan University, Wayne County Community College and
Henry Ford Community College, Michigan
Certifications/Additional Training: Reconstructive Healing Practitioner (Graduate of Level I/II – Reconnective Healing), (Graduate of Level III – The Reconnection Facilitator)
Appointments: 1999-2008 Michigan Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Organizations: Michigan Chiropractic Council
Speaker: Dynamic Essentials – Life University, Focus Chiropractic Group, Chiropractic Masters, Sigafoose Gathering
Licenses: State of Michigan, Michigan Board of Chiropractic 10/82: #2301004674
International Chiropractic Association: 1979-Present
Optimal Wellness Family Chiropractic
Dr. Michaella Walter D.C. grew up in the thumb of Michigan in the small community of Bad Axe. Her 9th grade year of high school was her first experience in chiropractic as she sought treatment for an injury sustained in a basketball game. Little did she know it would eventually become such a major part of her life both personally and professionally. Dr. Walter earned her Bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and after graduation worked in a cardiology practice before discovering her true calling in chiropractic. Dr. Walter then earned her Doctorate of Chiropractic at Palmer College in Florida as part of the 5th graduating class from that campus location. Dr. Walter has been a licensed chiropractor in Michigan for three years. She has practiced in Burton, Clinton Township and Birmingham prior to opening Optimal Wellness Family Chiropractic in Royal Oak. In April 2009 Dr. Walter became a proud resident of Royal Oak which inspired her to open a practice in the city in November as well as become a member of the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Walter focuses on family wellness chiropractic. She sees the entire age range within families from prenatal to seniors to help promote wellness and a healthy life. Dr. Walter is passionate about preventing the degenerative processes that plague adults starting in early childhood. She treats many children and has had great success with alleviating ailments such as bedwetting, reflux, ear infections and many others! Pregnancy and prenatal care is another large area of Dr. Walter’s practice. Women under regular chiropractic care during their pregnancy experience shorter and less painful labor as well as fewer complications associated with delivery. Newborns also benefit from this positive experience in many ways.
Dr. Walter is certified in the Webster Technique for pregnant women and is working on her pediatric diplomate thru the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. Further information on both of these certifications can be found at http://www.icpa4kids.org.
Dr. Boechler earned her Bachelor of Health Science degree from Grand Valley State University. She later went on to attend Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts and Sciences to become a massage therapist. It wasn’t until she was working in a chiropractic office that she realized she wanted to become a chiropractor herself. Dr. Boechler received her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida in 2009. Upon graduation, she returned to Michigan to begin practicing and to be closer to her family.
Dr. Boechler joined Optimal Wellness Family Chiropractic in May 2011. She is a member of the Michigan Association of Chiropractors. Dr. Boechler is passionate about chiropractic and helping people to get well. She believes in educating her patients so that they can live the healthiest life possible.
In Home Lactation Specialists, LLC
Brandy Walters, BBA, IBCLC
I am passionate about breastfeeding and want to help mothers in the community feel empowered through their breastfeeding relationship. I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and have been a breastfeeding counselor and advocate for more than 10 years. In addition to my professional experience, I successfully nursed my three boys for more than a year each. I am proud of the work I do to help empower breastfeeding mothers. For me, breastfeeding allowed me to be the mother I knew I had to be. Nursing is also the lazy way to mother and allow your baby to help heal your body after birth. If nursing hurts, something is wrong. Breastfeeding is an art and is one of the most natural acts a mother can do with her baby. However, some times it takes practice, dedication and extra support. You and your baby will learn together. I am here to help.
Metro Detroit Homebirth Circles
Homebirth Circles are held the first Monday of every month at Health & Healing Chiropractic in Rochester and the 3rd Monday of the month at Tocco Chiropractic in Clawson. Everyone is welcome including dads, kids, friends, and grandparents.
The Homebirth Circle is a FREE social gathering where women and families can be emotionally supported for their choice to birth at home. This gathering is for families who are considering homebirth, planning a homebirth or have homebirthed.
Families who are considering homebirth can learn about homebirth through the stories that others share. If you are planning a homebirth, come and be supported through pregnancy and create a network of like minded families as you birth and raise your children. Families that have homebirthed, come and share your experience and meet like minded families.
Mission: Support one another through pregnancy and beyond. Enjoy a community of like minded families. Learn from one another and share your experience.
BirthNetwork National
BirthNetwork National began in October 1999 when five mothers began brainstorming on how to improve maternity care in their local community. They formed a non-profit organization to support anyone seeking information, resources and support for healthy, respectful maternity care. Soon after, they discovered the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative (MFCI), which was created by the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS), and realized that it was the evidence “backbone” to support the intuition behind their mission. BirthNetwork National is based on the MFCI, which outlines the principles of mother-friendly care in order to promote the safest, healthiest and most cost-effective maternity care. BirthNetwork National has evolved from one chapter in Southeast Michigan into a national organizationwith many chapters across the country. We are part of a growing movement of birth activists striving to bring peace and dignity to birth by helping empower women to make informed choices about their maternity care.