1:30 Introduction given by Jessica Ruscetta, Doula, Childbirth Educator, Placenta Specialist

1:40 Film Why Not Home? followed by Q & A with Sacopee Midwives

Why Not Home?: Told through the lens of doctors, nurses, and midwives, Why Not Home? examines the latest evidence on risks and rewards of different births and provides an accessible view on the latest research, along with moving personal stories of medical practitioners faced with big decisions for their own growing families. Viewers are challenged to move beyond preconceived ideas, and to envision a fresh future for maternity care in America. It’s worth at least asking, “Why not home?” To find out more about the film, please go to Why Not Home?

Sacopee Midwives Bios:

Brenda Surabian, CPM
Brenda has nearly 30 years experience as a Midwife. She also practiced as an advanced EMT and National Ski Patroller in her community for 25 years. She started Sacopee Midwives in 1994 and has attended over 600 births. Brenda was called to midwifery in 1982, when she gave birth to her first child at a small clinic in Norwood, Colorado. Her desire to become a midwife and increase childbirth service options for women was driven by the limited choices available for women in rural communities of Colorado. Her second child was born on “The Farm” in Tennessee. These midwives were peaceful birth experts. Experiencing first hand the skill and competence of these midwives set her on the path. She has started a non profit that will be providing complementary care for pregnant people in southwestern Maine.

Acadia Gantz, CPM
Originally from Utah, Acadia (she/her) moved to Maine to attend Birthwise Midwifery School in 2015. A trained EMT, Acadia felt drawn to the path of midwifery to guide new parents though a normal and natural life process. She cares deeply about the relationships she builds with her clients and believes that midwifery care is a crucial step to empower parents to raise empowered children who will change the course of history. Acadia joined Sacopee Midwives in the fall of 2019 as an assistant midwife, graduated from Birthwise in January of 2020 and became licensed in Maine in May of 2020.

Grace Pease, CPM
Grace was born and raised on her family’s farm in the Sacopee Valley. Grace went to college in Vermont, where she studied medical anthropology and public action, with a focus on global health. Grace graduated from Birthwise Midwifery School in 2022 after two years of academic work and a year and a half long preceptorship at a birth center in Bangor, Maine. Grace is committed to continuing to grow as a CPM through continuing education, and loves learning from her practice partners and the families she works with. Brenda was there the day Grace was born, so it feels like a natural fit that they are now working together in the community!

Jessica Ruscetta, CD(DONA), PCD, CLC
Jessica found her passion for birthwork over 15 years ago after the less than satisfying birth experience of her first child. Jessica became committed to helping families have positive birth and postpartum experiences though support, education, and guidance. Jessica offers doula & lactation services, childbirth education, and placenta encapsulation. You can find out more at www.rootedinbirth.com