Meet Margo Nelson | Midwife and Midwifery Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Margo Nelson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Margo, how do you think about risk?
What a big question! Risk has a central spot in my life as a midwife and midwifery educator at the Indie Birth Midwifery School. Pregnancy and birth carry inherent risk, and our culture struggles with this reality, and tries to hide it away. We are generally very risk averse. Even though the science has shown clearly that home birth and low intervention birth has the same, if not better, outcomes, the general belief is that the MORE intervention and technology, the safer the birth. So risk is a big part of what I do.

In my own life, I think about risk and benefit, and also know that at the end of the day, it’s all in the hands of something greater than myself. I try not to get too wrapped up in overanalyzing every detail, and try to go with my intuition once I’ve gathered all the information I need. For example, a few months ago I had a feeling that I wanted to travel abroad to do midwifery work, and reached out to a midwife friend to see if she knew of any opportunities. She came back to me with an opportunity in Ecuador within 24 hours (like magic!), and after deliberating for a few weeks we decided to go for it and bring my whole family along for 2 months this fall. When I follow my gut, and the synchronicities it feels like really amazing things happen, even if they feel scary, or risky.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our business, the Indie Birth Association, is a total labor of love that started off as a podcast and collection of articles, and has grown into something we are really really proud of. Our free offerings are an absolute treasure trove of information, and our curated courses for parents, doulas and midwives are so comprehensive and modern. We always take a both/and approach that sets up apart from other birth educators. We don’t pretend to have all the answers of the one “right” answer. We are much more interested in educating people from a variety of perspectives and helping them strengthen their connection to their own inner voice to guide them.

I would want people to know that even though it wasn’t easy to get where we are, it IS possible if you are consistent and dedicated. Even a few hours a week adds up quickly over the years, if that’s all you have to spare!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am sort of a boring homebody, or maybe it’s just this phase of life with two young kids. But if my best friend was in town for a week, I’d set us up with an afternoon at the spa, and then take her out to dinner one of the days. Nothing is more interested to me than conversation and relaxation!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe so much to my preceptor, mentor, and now best friend and Indie Birth business partner Maryn Green. She took me in as her midwifery apprentice in 2011 and believed in me every step of the way. Her selfless generosity, inspiration, and steadfast vision have changed my life and I wouldn’t be where I am without her! We make a really great team because of our shared vision, and our complementary skills and approaches to business and life. I love her so much!

Website: indiebirth.org

Instagram: @indiebirth

Facebook: Indie Birth Association

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/indiebirth