ONICA SPROKKREEFF, CDM, CPM, IBCLC

Why I’m a Midwife

I remember the transformative moment in my life when I learned midwifery still existed in the modern world, and wasn't a lost art. At that moment; my passion was ignited, my purpose became clear, and my enthusiasm for helping families navigate through this monumental time began.
The intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science is the beauty of midwifery. I utilize traditional and modern practices to provide innovative and individualized care.
Most importantly, I am a midwife because I believe that each birthing person has a right to feeling respected, informed and empowered throughout their care.
I’ve been providing community Midwifery services to Alaskan families for over a decade. In 2009 I moved to Alaska to pursue Midwifery training and attained my State of Alaska Direct-Entry Midwife License in 2012. I have attended 350+ births and have been the primary midwife of over 200. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Healthy living, informed choice, family and community are the foundations by which I base my values. These principals to guide me in life and ultimately guide my practice. I strive to provide comprehensive care that is; holistic, evidence based and best practice - much like the care that was provided to me during the births of each of my two girls.

When not working I enjoy gardening, knitting, hiking, biking, fishing and foraging. My girls share in each of these activities, educating them to be thoughtful and applied while I do my best to balance the joys and struggles of parenting. Like all parents, I make the most of these precious moments while striving to raise the best humans I possibly can.

HOMEBIRTH
SAFETY AND BENEFITS

"Low-risk women who plan home births have fewer interventions without an increase in risk to mothers and babies."
Midwives Alliance of North America

Training, experience, and knowledge of physiologic birth lend midwives to be appropriate health care providers for low-risk clients throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I aim to support the physiologic processes. I recognize early signs and conditions that may not be normal and consult appropriately.

By providing individualized support throughout the entirety of your birthing journey, my aim is you look back on your experience feeling empowered and with satisfaction.

YOUR CARE

Informative and Compassionate

Every perspective client has an opportunity for a meet and greet to ensure I'm the midwife for you. As your midwife I am committed to your health, and the well being of your growing family. I provide individualized care, supporting your whole health and empowering you throughout your journey.

The initial appointment is 90 minutes followed by 60 minutes for each subsequent visit. Appointments with your midwife are every 4-5 weeks until the third trimester, every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly until the birth of your baby. Additional appointments may take place as necessary.

Photo by Nurturing Birth Photography

Photo by Nurturing Birth Photography

POSTPARTUM SUPPORT

Offering Support

Enjoy frequent home visits in the immediate postpartum to support your recovery, ensure the health of your baby, and to assist with breastfeeding. Continued personal support for you and your baby is provided with visits every 1-2 weeks until 6 weeks after birth.

As an Internationally Certified Lactation Consultant I am able to assist throughout your nursing experience, from first latch to weaning.

Community resources and specialist referrals are available and advised as needed to help you thrive as a new family.

Home: Services

Photo by Zen Lion Photography

Home: Testimonials

Positive Experiences

We are so grateful for Onica who was with us for the birth of both of our boys. Her calm, grounding, competent, compassionate energy and wisdom helped us immensely through one very long labor and one shorter one. Onica takes time to connect in a genuine way with her patients. For our second birth, she came to our house twice to check on me before eventually going to the birth center which gave me confidence and helped me relax. I was so touched and thankful. She is also intuitive and can anticipate needs based on the individual patient. Near the end of labor, I remember her saying "Darcy, where would you like to have your baby?" (meaning what position) and I felt incredulous that it was so imminent. She knew just by my body language and voice that I was fully dilated, and sure enough a few minutes later I was holding our baby. I think of her every year on their birthdays - she will forever hold a special place in my heart!

~ Darcy

Photo by Beth Kate Photography