Collective Birth Midwifery
We're Collective Birth:
the combined practice of two East Bay midwives of color.
We provide a unique personalized approach to preconception, prenatal, birth, and post-partum care, with deliveries at Alta Bates Hospital.
This is your journey, and we are your guides.
As your midwives, we believe that birth is a normal physiological event, and we trust bodies to birth. We are dedicated to and invested in the safe passage of your baby, as well as protecting your autonomy along the way. When your process is well-respected at every point on the path, you are more likely to feel empowered and enriched by your experience.
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We work with you and your support system to build your knowledge, make informed decisions, ease your fears, and empower you with confidence and a sense of autonomy.
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We take a holistic approach: care for a pregnant, laboring, or postpartum person is physiological, emotional, and often spiritual.
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We provide up to date and evidence-based clinical care– but also a clear roadmap of what to expect, a listening ear, and a comforting, continuous presence.
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We are on call for you, 24/7, throughout your entire pregnancy, labor, and up to six weeks postpartum.
Aimée Tom (she/her)
Certified Nurse Midwife
About me
As someone raised and rooted in the Bay Area, I am dedicated to its uniquely diverse population. I am a mother to two beautiful grown kids, two cats, and a small dog and enjoy gardening, cooking, and making earrings from upcycled leather. I am dedicated to a life of self-reflection and connection.
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I have been through a lot in life, and take the tenderness and respect for the unknown into account with each and every pregnant person. My midwife superpower lies in forming intimate connections with clients. I remain so grateful to do the work that I love and to which I feel called. The best moments in my work are those where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Connect with me
Jasmine Swinson (she/her)
Certified Nurse Midwife
About me
I’m a sunny Los Angeleno who transplanted over a decade ago, fell in love with the Bay Area and settled in the East Bay community. 2021 was an epic year for me! I got married, had our beautiful spunky daughter, and made my way back to the work I love. Most people who know me say I’m calm and even-keeled, yet fiercely protective of my family and friends.
Throughout the years working as a midwife, I’ve realized no matter what environment I work in, the theme that remains constant in my care is centering the birthing person and their family. Between my own experience in the medical system and witnessing the poor treatment of my loved ones, I’m committed to offering this much needed alternative to the current standard of care. I am here to listen. I am here to share what I know and have real conversations that involve shared decision making. I am here to support you in all the ways you need to be supported in your most vulnerable time. This is what your care should look like and I’ve been honored to participate in so many beautiful journeys.
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This work feeds my soul and I love the way our patients end up feeling like family by the end of our care. We can’t wait to love on you and bring you into our tribe! My midwife superpower is coaxing some of these sweet stubborn babies out of their cozy positions that may be prolonging labor. Each time my tricks work, it’s like winning the Super Bowl!
Connect with me
Our Story
As two private practice midwives with admitting privileges at Alta Bates, we were frustrated that so many pregnant people were missing out on the opportunity to experience this unique model of care. Many people just did not know about us, or would reach out too late and after our practices were already full for their due date. As solo providers, we could each only accept a few clients per month. When we brainstormed how to change this, it felt only natural to fuse our practices not only to increase visibility but also to allow more clients into care.
We also recognized the glaring lack of midwives of color in the Bay Area. We wanted families of color to have a safe place to land. Each of us is deeply invested in preserving and protecting the autonomy and agency of all pregnant people, regardless of race, class, religion, or sexual orientation and gender.
Lastly, we realize we are better midwives when we are well rested! This collective allows a more sustainable model for us, as your providers, as it gives each of us some time to be “off call” each month. That opportunity to rest, recharge, and prioritize self-care is key when we are on call for you 24/7. The collective is small enough that even when one midwife is off call, you will have built a strong enough relationship with each of us that you should still feel very comfortable with your team.
Collective Birth Midwifery
Let's get in touch
email: collectivebirth@gmail.com
phone: 510-803-3055 ext 2
fax: 510-288-3766
address: 3010 Colby St #210, Berkeley, CA 94705
© 2024 by Collective Birth