Jennifer Stewart Strother, IBCLC, CPM, LM

From the time I was three years old and first felt my unborn brother kick, I was fascinated with babies and the birth process. I was about 11 years old when I found out what a midwife was. It married all my loves – medicine, science, and babies – and I knew that was what I was going to be when I grew up! In 2006, after years of book learning and practical education, I launched into private practice as Joy In Birth Midwifery while living in West Virginia. Those years taught me to maintain high standards, which include participating in community peer review, conferences, workshops, and other routes of continuing education.

Practicing in the rural areas of West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky brought many memorable experiences, creating a uniquely-varied practice that greatly expanded my skills as a midwife. When you attend hundreds of births in Amish communities, you learn how to be a low-tech midwife, and I so value the practical experience I gained during my time there.

In late 2010, I had a renewed interest in pursuing the credential of IBCLC, or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. The certification process included hours of education through a course taught by the International Board of Lactation Examiners, the compilation of an application that documented my experience, and a written exam. The whole process was concluded in July 2011, when I received  official certification of IBCLC.

In the summer and fall of 2011, in addition to becoming an IBCLC, I became a Certified Professional Midwife through the North American Registry of Midwives, and a California Licensed Midwife through the Challenge Process provided by the National Midwifery Institute. It was an arduous process that I completed in record time, only by the grace of God, and with the addition of new gray hair! In November 2011, the practice in West Virginia was closed to precipitate a move to California. I spent the following years in solo practice, assisting other midwives in their practices, enjoying fabulous opportunities, seeing many babies born, and forging new, sweet relationships with California clients.

2018 brought yet more change in the form of another cross-country move to become a licensed South Carolina midwife. In 2019 Wellborn was launched, and with it I got back to the basics of what I love so much about being a community midwife – personal care, a listening ear, continuing education (which never ends, but that’s a good thing!), and the focused opportunity to bless those who cross my path.

I am thrilled and excited for the future of Wellborn as we continue to serve the families of South Carolina, helping YOU experience the true joy in birth!