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Melissa Gordon-Magnus, CPM LDM
"I am honored to be a member of the team of midwives at Alma. Having memory of our conception, scraping old paint off walls and applying new, my progression from apprentice to midwife, has seemed a natural progression. I am so very fortunate to be continuing to build my knowledge and experience within the supportive and nurturing walls of our birth center. Thank you for visiting my short bio, and I look forward to meeting you!
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Background & Experience
My nature as a doula was recognized when my first sister was born back in 1985. I continued finding my way into pregnancy and birth in my family and social community, as both a birth and postpartum doula, until my first pregnancy, when my world outlook opened up to the role of a midwife. Beginning with self-study in alternative modalities of healthcare specializing in women's health and their choices, I began attending births in midwifery apprenticeship in 1999. While in school, I gave birth to 2 more children, and continued both classroom education and apprenticeship. In 2006, I received my CPM through the North American Registry of Midwives, completed my internship with Laura Erickson at Alma Midwifery, and graduated from Birthingway College of Midwifery. Since, I have continued to practice here at Alma, and also participated in births with community midwives.
1998: Received certification as a birth and postpartum doula through Doulas of North America (DONA).
1999-2006: Attended Birthingway College of Midwifery and also attended births as an apprentice or intern with community midwives.
2003-2004: Apprenticed with Birthingway Birth Services.
2004: Helped open Alma Midwifery Service as an apprentice with Laura Erickson.
2004-2006: Internship at Alma, completed in June of 2006.
2006-2007: Worked as an independent midwife for both Alma Midwifery and Roots Midwifery Service.
2007-current: Happily working as a full time licensed midwife with Alma Midwifery
Personal Birth Experience & Mission
I am the proud mother to 3 bright, spirited children, ages 10, 11, and 15. Currently a Buckman/George mom, I marvel at the beauty of living and working primarily within a small, local triangle. My first child Willow(15) was born in the hospital, after a long attempted homebirth. Both Alder(11) and Madrona(10) were born at home in the water. My combination of experiences, giving birth in home and hospital environments, lends me great compassion and understanding into the complex nature of where and how babies come out. I am dedicated to supporting women through their childbearing year in the midwifery model of care, and facilitating gentle birth experiences.
Personal Interests
These are the busy years as a mother! I enjoy getting out into nature and hiking, walking around our great neighborhoods in Portland, learning, and breathing. I can easily be spotted in my local coffee shops, engaged in conversation or simply bringing you a smile. I love to dance, sight-see, travel, and generally keep active. I once had a vision to train as a midwife in order to have a trade that could be carried into other cultures to provide service in exchange for learning about birth in a seemingly other world. For now, my trunk is deeply rooted right here, as my seedlings are young and my outlook a bit more wise. This is a vision that remains strong within, though it won't be met for some time. My service at this time is in caring for the wonderful families who find us here at Alma. Engaging in family life, friendship, and my community are essential to my well-being!
Learn more about our Midwives
photo on this page: Pasha.
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