Jodi Blair, Ph.D, CNM
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I’ve known that I wanted to work in maternity care since my first day in labor and delivery as a nursing student. My first baby was born at the freestanding birth center in Topeka in 1981. Those two events started my commitment to promoting low-tech, low-intervention birth for women. Even more important than natural birth is the respect and empowerment women feel when they take responsibility and authority for their birth instead of being expected to follow procedures and do what they are told.
I graduated from Stormont–Vail school of nursing in 1981, earned a BSN in 1986 and went on to earn a master’s in maternal/child nursing, and a doctorate in adult education. I began working at the Birth and Women’s Center in 1990 as an RN, and then as a midwife from 1996 to 2001. I took some time off to raise and family and teach pre-nursing at Allen Community College until returning to the Birth and Women’s Center in 2014. I became owner of the birth center in February of 2016. With the closure of the Birth and Women’s Center, Immanuel Birth Co. seemed a good option for women who desire low-intervention birth. My faith is important to me and I view this work as a mission. I love getting to know families and watching them grow. The idea of Immanuel has been a strength for me – in times of hardship and trials I have relied on the God who is always with me. I pray regularly for clients and for myself as a provider, to have wisdom and discernment. |