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# San Diego County Midwives

San Diego County Midwives - Offering Midwifery Services

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/) - We provide holistic midwifery care and support services including home birth, water birth, VBAC, and doula monitrice for planned hospital birth.
- [Gerri L. Ryan, Consultant Midwife](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/about/midwife-gerri-ryan/) - Gerri Ryan is your experienced San Diego midwife. She is active in the birthing community and offers DONA Doula training workshops throughout the year.
- [Heather LeMaster, LM, CPM, APBT, NCPT](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/about/midwife-heather-lemaster/) - Heather LeMaster is a Licensed and Certified Professional Midwife, who provides midwifery care in both home and birthing center settings.
- [Breastfeeding <br><span>(Babyfeeding) Support Group</span>](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/breastfeeding/support-group/) - Our Breastfeeding (Babyfeeding) Support Group is held every Thursday from 10am to 11am. We assist those attending the group free of charge during this time.
- [Holistic Care Providers](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/about/holistic-care-providers/) - Our team of holistic care providers offer expertise in lactation support, birth support, acupuncture, physical therapy, childbirth education
- [Contact](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/contact-us/) - We welcome all birthing families! Our midwives provide holistic midwifery care with home birth and birth center options for our clients in Greater San Diego.
- [VBAC with Midwives](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/labor-and-birth/vbac/) - We specialize in working with VBAC clients either at home in the birth center setting. We use evidence-based information when providing and recommending care.
- [Resources](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/resources/) - Midwifery resources to help birthing families in San Diego County. Find your birthing kit and supplies, birth certificate info, and connect with your community.
- [Home Birth](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/home-birth/) - Explore the benefits of home birth with our licensed midwives. Our team offers comprehensive holistic care throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
- [Water Birth](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/labor-and-birth/water-birth/) - San Diego County Midwives specializes in water birth and water labor. We provide midwife led care for those choosing to birth at home.
- [Birth Stories](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/birth-stories/) - Take a journey with San Diego County Midwives clients as they share their VBAC and home birth experiences. Watch an empowering birth video and view our gallery.
- [Body Balancing & Spinning Babies®](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/body-balancing/) - Labor preparation and Postpartum Recovery Body Balancing Sessions. Midwife Heather LeMaster uses techniques that promote your comfort and optimize your baby's position.
- [Doula Monitrice & Planned Hospital Birth](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/doula-monitrice/) - We provide doula monitrice services for families who are planning to have a hospital birth and would like to receive the benefits of the Midwifery Model of Care
- [Prenatal Services](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/midwifery-services/prenatal-services/) - Our midwifery services are available to you regardless of where you choose to give birth. Services include prenatal care and well-woman care.
- [Physiologic (Natural) Birth](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/labor-and-birth/physiologic-birth/) - Baby, Mom, Partner, and the family as a whole benefit from a smoother transition due to non-separation in early days following the birth at home or brth center.
- [Midwifery Services](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/midwifery-services/) - Our practice of midwives supports birthing families at home and in the hospital setting. Services include midwifery, monitrice and breastfeeding support.
- [About Us](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/about/) - Our midwives look at you as a whole person. We provide holistic midwifery care for birthing families desiring a home birth or birth center birth in San Diego.
- [Birth Center](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/birth-center/) - Due to the recent closure of two birth centers in San Diego, we are no longer offering birth center services. We continue to provide midwifery care for home birth.
- [Meet Midwife Heather LeMaster](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/meet-the-midwives/) - Midwife Heather LeMaster wants to meet you and answer your questions about home birth. Virtual or in-person options are available for the initial consult.
- [Sitemap](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/sitemap/)
- [Eighth Baby, Longest Labor](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/birth-stories/eighth-baby-longest-labor/)
- [Homebirth at Age 48](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/birth-stories/homebirth-at-age-48/)
- [C.P. Water Birth](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/birth-stories/cp-water-birth-experience/) - Read C.P.'s water birth story. One of our clients shares her experience of water birth at home with San Diego County Midwives.
- [A Simple Birth at Home](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/birth-stories/a-simple-birth-at-home/)
- [Postpartum Visits](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/postpartum/postpartum-visits/) - Postpartum (Well Mother and Well Baby) visits provide a consistent time for our midwives and your new family to connect and assess how the transition is going.
- [Office Visits](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/midwifery-services/office-visits/) - Most of the office visit is spent talking with your midwife about your current life stressors and the upcoming birth.
- [Body Work Preparation and Birth at Home - C.C.](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/birth-stories/body-work-preparation-and-birth-at-home-c-c/) - San Diego County Midwives client describes the body work done by her midwife during the prenatal visits along with her home birth experience.
- [Insurance](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/midwifery-and-insurance/) - Insurance coverage of home birth and birth center varies widely. We work with a third party billing company to help you maximize your medical insurance benefits.
- [Your Care During Labor and Birth](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/labor-and-birth/your-care-during-labor-and-birth/) - Who can attend my out of hospital birth? Should I hire a doula? We answer common questions about the care can you expect while working with our midwives.
- [What is a Midwife?](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/about/what-is-a-midwife/) - A midwife is a wise woman who is trained in the art and science of normal birth. We excel at providing family centered care based on mutual trust.
- [Events](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/news-events/) - San Diego County Midwives events include DONA doula training, a free weekly Lactation and Breastfeeding Support Group, and Peanut Ball Training.
- [Guidelines for Breastfeeding](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/breastfeeding/) - New mothers in need of help with breastfeeding or lactation support in San Diego. Find answers to common breastfeeding problems and concerns.
- [Complications in Labor](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/labor-and-birth/complications-in-labor/) - How do midwives handle labor complications at a home birth? Our licensed midwives address concerns for baby and mother during an out of hospital birth.
- [Exercise](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/prenatal/exercise/) - Low impact exercise for 30 minutes a day is recommended. Walking, swimming and prenatal yoga are all great ways to exercise and prepare for your homebirth.
- [Immediate Postpartum](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/labor-and-birth/immediate-postpartum/) - Our midwives honor the first postpartum hour referred to as the golden hour. We make every effort to keep this special time undisturbed for the birthing family.
- [Rupture of Membranes](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/labor-and-birth/rupture-of-membranes/) - Tell your care provider when your water breaks (membranes rupture). You will receive clear instructions. There are some basic precautions you can take.
- [When to Call Your Midwife](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/labor-and-birth/when-to-call/) - 14 Reportable Signs to tell your midwife during pregnancy and labor. Trust your instincts. If in doubt, call us. We are here for you.
- [Healthy Pregnancy Habits](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/prenatal/healthy-pregnancy-habits/) - Best practices for birth preparation include open communication with your midwife, and following her recommendations about nutrition, exercise, and rest.
- [Birthing Classes](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/classes/) - Learn about pregnancy and birth with an emphasis on out-of-hospital birthing. We can help you find the right birthing classes for you.
- [PMAD](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/postpartum/pmad/) - PMAD includes a wide range of emotional disorders a woman can experience during pregnancy and postpartum. We can connect you to helpful community resources.
- [Postpartum](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/postpartum/) - Your postpartum visits provide a consistent time for us to connect with your new family. Speak freely and tell us how things are going.
- [Extremely Empowering Birth Experience](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/birth-stories/empowering-birth-story/) - Are you considering an out-of-hospital birth a San Diego midwife? Read this San Diego County Midwives client's birth experience for information and inspiration.
- [A Doula’s Journey to Vaginal Home Birth after Three C-Sections](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/birth-stories/a-doulas-journey/) - An incredible natural birth story of a vaginal home birth after three C-sections. The experience would lead this mother to become a doula and inspire others.
- [Labor and Birth](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/labor-and-birth/) - Our midwives are here to answer your questions and address your concerns about labor and birth. Topics covered include VBAC, water birth, and pre-term labor.
- [Nutritional Counseling](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/prenatal/nutritional-counseling/) - Nutritional counseling with your midwives. We assess your diet and exercise, make recommendations, and work with you to optimize your health during pregnancy.
- [Preterm Labor](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/prenatal/preterm-labor/) - Our midwives answer common questions about preterm labor including risk factors, signs, and symptoms. Please eat healthy and keep active during your pregnancy.
- [Ultrasound](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/prenatal/ultrasound/) - Are ultrasounds safe? Ultrasounds provide valuable information. Our midwives don't perform ultrasounds, but we do require at least one during mid-pregnancy.
- [Prenatal](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/prenatal/) - You and our midwives share the common goal of a healthy pregnancy. We are here to answer questions and monitor your overall health and well being.
- [Military Families](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/military-families/) - Our midwives are privileged to work with so many military families. We realize the challenges you may face. Let us help you through your birthing process.
- [Payment | San Diego County Midwives](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/payment/)
- [Terms of Use](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/terms-of-use/)
- [Postpartum Doulas](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/postpartum/postpartum-doulas/) - What is a postpartum doula? Should I hire a postpartum doula? Depending on your family’s needs you may or may not need one. We can help you with this decision.
- [VBAC Story - C.G.](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/birth-stories/vbac-client-story/) - Wonder what is like to have a VBAC at home with a midwife? Read our client's detailed account of giving birth at home after having a prior cesarean section.

## Venues

- [San Diego County Midwives (Doula Training)](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/venue/doula-training/)
- [San Diego County Midwives](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/venue/san-diego-county-midwives/)
- [Zoom Private Meeting](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/venue/zoom-private-meeting-2/)
- [A Family Affair Birth Center](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/venue/a-family-affair-birth-center/)

## Organizers

- [Gerri Ryan, BDT (DONA)](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/organizer/gerri-ryan/)
- [Lisa Simpkins, IBCLC](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/organizer/lisa-simpkins/) - Lisa Simpkins, IBCLC, CBE, CLE has two Bachelor’s degrees from UCSD in both the Biology and Psychology field, but it wasn’t until she completed the Perinatal Educator, Lactation Educator and Lactation Consultant Programs through UCSD Extension, that she discovered her love of combining education and clinical skills.
- [Natalie Epstein](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/organizer/natalie-epstein/)
- [Misty Flannery](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/organizer/misty-flannery/)
- [Julie Brancaccio](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/organizer/julie-brancaccio/)
- [Nina Jung](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/organizer/nina-jung/)
- [Kim Nicholson](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/organizer/kim-nicholson/)
- [Heather LeMaster](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/organizer/heather-lemaster/)

## Events

- [Intro to Childbirth Education for Doulas](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/event/intro-to-childbirth-education/) - Intro to Childbirth Education for Doulas is an optional full day class that can be taken with our 3-day Birth Doula Training. We cover stages and phases of labor, comfort measures, emotional and physical changes in labor along with medications and cesarean. Although this class is not required, it does fulfill DONA’s childbirth education requirement
- [Peanut Ball Training for Doulas](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/event/peanut-ball-training-for-doulas/) - Earn 4 hours of DONA Int'l CEUs. During this training with Heather, you will learn at least 10 peanut ball positions. These positions increase comfort and open up a client’s pelvis. Heather will show you how to use these positions to help your client both prior and during labor. You can apply this knowledge to
- [Birth Doula Training (DONA)](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/event/birth-doula-training/) - During this DONA approved Birth Doula Training you will learn In-depth labor support strategies, The role of the doula within the medical framework, Guidelines for pre- and post-natal contact with your clients. This workshop also includes Lactation for Doulas, a breastfeeding course which fulfills a DONA International requirement for certification. Complete our workshop and take
- [Breastfeeding (Babyfeeding) Support Group](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/event/breastfeeding-support-group-2/2026-08-20/) - San Diego County Midwives Breastfeeding (Babyfeeding) Support Group is held every Thursday from 12pm to 1pm at our office in San Diego. Our lactation consultants and educators assist those attending the group free of charge during this time. We welcome all who need help in breastfeeding or want to join our babyfeeding support group. Our
- [Community Mother Acupuncture Circle](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/event/community-mother-acupuncture-circle-2/2026-08-19/) - This is a bi-monthly acupuncture circle created to support mothers, parents, and families from conception through postpartum and beyond. Nina Jung, L.Ac & R.Ac, Licensed Acupuncturist & Holistic Strength Coach treats Conception Planning, Pregnancy Support: Nausea, heart-burn, Postpartum Hormone Regulation & Optimization, Anxiety & Stress, Insomnia, Seasonal Wellness, Pediatric care. Whether you’re preparing to conceive,
- [New Parents Class](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/event/new-parents-class/2026-08-15/) - This a monthly class for new parents that gives insight into your parenting experience from the last few weeks of pregnancy through the precious early days of life with a newborn. Instructor: Kim Nicholson, DONA certified birth doula and CLEC (Certified Lactation Education Counselor) Taught 3rd Saturday of every month. Cost is $150 per couple.

## Series

- [Birth Doula Training (DONA)](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/series/birth-doula-training-dona/)
- [Intro to Childbirth](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/series/intro-to-childbirth/)
- [Peanut Ball Training for Doulas](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/series/peanut-ball-training-for-doulas/)
- [Community Mother Acupuncture Circle](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/series/community-mother-acupuncture-circle/)

## Event Categories

- [Doula training](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/events/category/doula-training/)
- [Free Events](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/events/category/free-events/)
- [Peanut Ball Training](https://www.sandiegocountymidwives.com/events/category/doula-training/peanut-ball-training/)