The Midwives

The whole point of woman-centered birth is the knowledge that a woman is the birth power source. She may need, and deserve, help, but in essence, she always had, currently has, and will have the power.
~Heather McCue

Appleton Community Midwives
We are so excited to bring gentle and evidence-based care to families during the most sacred times in their lives.  Every mother and baby is a unique individual, and our attention to relationship sets us apart from other care providers.  We are staffed by two Certified Professional Midwives, who are also Licensed Midwives in the State of Wisconsin.  Both midwives are childbirth educators and have combined experience of over 600 births and over 20 years in childbirth care.  We employ professional and experienced birth assistants to accompany the midwives at birth.  We are excited for you to meet our team!  We are also so proud to offer childbirth classes in our community free of charge to anyone desiring natural childbirth education. 


                        Andi Raine, LM, CPM, CBE              
 
Andi Raine first became interested in midwifery as a child after her two sisters were born at home with midwives, and she was present to witness their births.  After having her own first baby in the hospital, she felt that it was her mission to bring gentle and respectful birth experiences to more women and their babies.  She attended some years of college with a focus in nursing, but ultimately transferred to a program to pursue a career in out-of-hospital midwifery, attending the Ancient Arts Midwifery Institute, and apprenticing with two midwives.  During that time she gave birth to two more children in her home.  

Andi has been attending births for 10 years and has attended hundreds of births.   She feels blessed to be back in Wisconsin after some years away, living her passion for midwifery in a supportive partner practice, and lovingly welcoming babies.  When she is not busy catching babies, she loves spending time with her three children, knitting, cooking and singing.


Anja Farin, LM, CPM, CBE
 
Anja began teaching childbirth classes in 1997 after completing a certification with the American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth.  After a few years of teaching, she took some time off to raise her children.  Many of her students had asked her to serve as a doula at their births, and she had the opportunity, even during this brief "retirement," to teach a few classes and attend births as a labor support person.  In 2007 she began teaching again, serving as a doula, and eventually decided to live out a dream of becoming a midwife.  Her midwifery training consisted of nine weeks of internship in El Paso, Texas at Casa de Nacimiento, and attending nearly 100 births as a doula or student midwife.  Additionally, Anja is enrolled in Ancient Art Midwifery Institute, and has done a lot of self-directed study.  She feels privileged to have had so many senior midwives share their wisdom and skills with her during her training.  Anja is the mother of four children, all of whom were naturally birthed, and wife to David.  They are all excited to be a big part of Appleton Community Midwives.

Julie Slyzelia, TPH, Office Admin, Birth Assistant


Julie has been working as an apprentice with Appleton Community Midwives since May 2009.  She is currently a student at Ancient Arts Midwifery Institute and working on becoming a CPM through the North American Registry of Midwives.
Shortly after Julie received her BS in Environmental Studies with emphases in Social Justice and Women's Studies, she gave birth to her daughter, Vivian, and her life took in a new direction towards mothering, midwifery, and the world of birth.  In Feb of 2011, her son Felix was lovingly welcomed at home.
Julie has been blessed to have such loving encouragement and support from her husband and family. 
Julie is excited and honored to be a part of your birth experience and would love to help support you in your next birth.

Lindsey Marta, Office Admin, Birth Assistant


Lindsey has enjoyed immersing herself in midwifery and natural birth since the birth of her first child in 2001.  She is the co-owner of First Breath Photography, specializing in birth and newborn photography.  Much of her beautiful work can be seen in our office, birth center, and on this website, and she is excited to offer special services to the families at Appleton Community Midwives.  www.firstbreathphotography.com   She is the mother of 3 children, 2 of which were born at home.  She has attended births in both an assistant and student role over the past 4 years, and is passionate about helping mothers and babies in this way.  Lindsey feels blessed to meet the wonderful families that grace this practice.