Our Midwife

Darlene Curtis, L.M.

Favorite quote~ The greatest joy in a woman's life is to be a mother,
The second is to be a midwife...

My name is Darlene Curtis and I am the mother of four beautiful children, ages 6 to 15. Since witnessing the birth of my little brother 18 years ago, I knew that I wanted to do birth work. It just took me a while to figure out exactly in what capacity. When I attended my first home birth 12 years ago, I knew at that moment that I wanted to be a midwife. But first, I had to finish having my own babies.

After the birth of my third child Cody, I completed the Doula training course and quickly became immersed in birth as a birthing assistant. At the same time, I was also a facilitator for a Cesarean/VBAC Support group, and attended about 50 Vaginal Births After Cesarean. I loved what I was doing and learned so much. By the time I had my last baby in 1994, I had attended well over 100 births and finally had my own homebirth that I had always imagined. It was such a wonderful experience being at home, supported my family and midwives, that it only served to cement in my heart that I was on the right path.

After completing two years of nursing prerequisites, I enrolled in the Seattle Midwifery School in 1996, and because of my previous experience was able to graduate early in the summer of 1998. By this time I had welcomed over 250 babies and I loved every moment! One of my other dreams was to someday open my own birth center in Everett. So, as soon as I obtained my midwifery license, I quickly began pursuing my dream. In May of 1999, Janine Walker and I founded Cascade Midwives and Birth Center! My dream was finally a reality, I couldn't believe it!

Not only am I dedicated to women and their families, but I am also committed to working for my professional organization, The Midwives Association of Washington State or MAWS. I have served on the Board of Directors since becoming a licensed midwife. I am devoted to continually striving to promote midwifery and let everyone know about the wonderful option of midwifery care. I am proud to share that I received the Annual Award of The Midwives Association of Washington State for Outstanding Merit and Service in October of 2000. I was so touched to have been acknowledged that way, when there are so many midwives out there that devote the same amount of time and effort on behalf of other midwives, women and their families in Washington. Just recently, I have been appointed as the Vice President of MAWS and am looking forward to my new responsibilities in this capacity.

Since founding Cascade Birth Center, we have helped almost 100 families welcome their newest addition. I feel blessed to be able to witness these amazing women give birth, and watching as another new family is born. I am truly honored when families choose me to participate in this wonderful moment in their lives.