Some big changes are coming to Moonrise for 2023! I have decided to step away from midwifery for awhile. After 18 years of being on-call, I am ready to have some work-life balance. I will not be taking any due dates after July 2023. It was not an easy decision as I love birth-work. I love providing a choice for folx: choice to birth where and when someone chooses. I love being able to provide culturally relevant care that recognizes that not only women give birth and recognizing that different cultures have customs and traditions surrounding birth that should be honored. But it is time to step back for a while to reclaim my mental health.
The other big change is that I am now providing gender affirming care for trans and non-binary youth (under 18). Our new generation of kids need us more than ever. More and more states are restricting access to this type of care. Luckily, it is still available in Washington!
What is gender affirming care for youth? Gender affirming care is mental and physical health care that allows a person to more closely align with the gender a person is on the inside. This may be in the form of puberty blockers, hormone replacement, or help with socially transitioning. While I do not perform gender affirming surgical procedures, I can refer folx to the people that do.
I am still providing general pediatric care including well child visits and vaccines. I will continue to provide IUIs through June 2023.