Birthing center delivers for local families for 23 years

WASILLA — Strollers streamed in toting tiny tots Saturday to celebrate nearly a quarter century of baby birthing by Mat-Su Midwifery.

It was 23 years in the making, but about 75 staff, adults and children of all ages gathered for a salmon bake and the natural birthing center’s first baby bash. Nobody was shy about snagging a plate of salmon while children — the testament to the work done by Mat-Su Midwifery — expended excess energy on the birthing center lawn.

Since its beginning in 1984, Mat-Su Midwifery has assisted mothers to birth about 2,000 babies, said Judi Davidson, who runs the center. Now, the organization helps deliver about 120 to 130 babies a year.

In rural areas like much of Alaska, midwives serve an important role for local health care, Davidson said. For the Mat-Su Valley, it’s a personal choice for mothers and families. Using a midwife is not for everyone, she said, adding center staff will only assist with low-risk pregnancies.

“Alaskans have always endorsed and used midwives,” she said. “We’ve helped with hundreds and hundreds of births here.”

First to help Mat-Su Midwifery was Sharon Evans.

She’s semi-retired from the center, but still helps when needed.

On Saturday, she reminisced about running into people she helped deliver and has helped with a second generation in some cases.

“I’ve had people I’ve delivered, and then the second generation comes,” she said. “That was exciting. It really blows me away when I go to the suntan place and see a girl I delivered getting ready for the prom.”

Sean Kelley runs the local Boys and Girls Club and was having fun with his own two children, including 1-month-old Seth Kelley.

The experience of having a water birth with a midwife “was incredible,” he said. “You never felt like a patient. It feels like home.”

Breanne Shultz has had two children at the center. She enjoyed it so much she’s now an apprentice midwife.

“I think that this probably is not the choice for everyone, but this is a great option for many families,” she said.

Mat-Su Midwifery may make inviting all the previous babies and families born at the center to a cookout and annual event, Davidson said.

Contact Greg Johnson at 352-2268 or greg.johnson@frontiersman.com.