Heather Chorley

LM, CPM

First Influences

My path to midwifery started as a child, when I discovered a fascination with birth by seeing pictures in books at our local library.

Education and Experience

I received my BS degree in Biology from Guilford College. Following college, I completed the Physician Assistant Program at Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC. After working as a PA in oncology for 5 years, I moved to Seattle in 1994. Once here, I volunteered in a community health clinic for a year where I found myself once again drawn to the power of birth.

I graduated from Seattle Midwifery School in 1999 and, along with Wendy Rowe, started Welcome Home Midwifery Service in Seattle (I was our first client). In 2005 we closed our practice when Wendy returned home to Vermont (I was our last client).

Seattle Home Maternity

I joined Seattle Home Maternity in January 2006, at the invitation of pioneer midwives Suzy and Marge and in January 2014, I became the new owner of SHM.

Teaching

Besides my clinical practice, I have also been on the faculty at Seattle Midwifery School, where I co-taught several courses.

Certifications

I am a Licensed Midwife (LM) and a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM).

Family

I am blessed with a beautiful family: husband Fred, and children Isla (1999) and Linus (2005), both born at home. The attentive midwifery care I received during the births of my children deepened my commitment to providing such care to other childbearing people and families.

Brooks Siegal

LM, CPM, MSM

First Influences

Born and raised in the Seattle area, I grew up steeped in my mother’s stories of the wonder and power of the natural birth process. I began my journey as a midwife following the birth of my fourth baby, who was lovingly welcomed at home by the team at SHM.

Education and Experience

I received an undergraduate degree in philosophy from Trinity College in Hartford CT, a PhD in philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis, and a Masters of Science in Midwifery from Bastyr University. I also hold a certificate in Botanical Medicine for Midwifery Care from Bastyr University, having studied herbalism in the childbearing year through a specialized track through the Department of Midwifery. Following graduation, I had the privilege of working for several years as a staff midwife with the Center for Birth Midwives here in Seattle.

In my philosophical studies, I was interested in the concept of autonomy and choice-making within the context of feminine socialization. I was drawn to midwifery to understand and honor body-based sources of knowledge and intuition that I came to appreciate through giving birth to and mothering my four children. I view embodiment as a source of empowerment and deep autonomy, and I hold this grounding perspective for those I serve throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journeys. I love helping individuals and families grow through their childbearing years by practicing holistic, evidence-based, and heart-centered midwifery.

Seattle Home Maternity

Having been a client and also a midwifery student at SHM, I have a deep appreciation for their legacy of excellence in community midwifery. I am honored to be part of the team of midwives at SHM and the community of birthing people and families who also call SHM home.

Certifications

I am a Licensed Midwife (LM) and a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM).

Personal

Outside of midwifery, I enjoy running, gardening, time in the woods, and adventures with my partner of 24 years, much loved 4 children, 2 dogs, and variable number of chickens.