About Me
I believe birth can be an enjoyable, transcending, life-changing, painless, and empowering experience. I believe birth is a safe physiological event, not a medical emergency. Birth is inherently safe, interference is risky. I strongly advocate for the use of midwives and out-of-hospital births.
I eagerly look forward to serving women during pregnancy, birth and postpartum period!
My name is Cindy Collins and I am a native Californian of the San Francisco bay area. I came to Delaware in 1999 by the Air Force. I married my husband, Rodney, in 2001. After I separated from the Air Force I attended culinary college in Baltimore and received my degree in professional baking and pastry. I worked for a several years in the restaurant business. I teach baking courses at Polytech on occasion. For over 10 years I planned to open a coffeehouse and bakery.
In fall 2005 Igave birth to my first son, Reed. During my pregnancy I became quite interested in natural childbirth. I became a Certified Breastfeeding Peer Counselor with WIC when my son was 7 months old and worked for 2.5yrs for Bayhealth. During my second pregnancy, my passion for birth and midwifery grew immensely. It was then I realized God was calling me to become a "birth worker". In spring 2008 I gave birth to my second son, Jonas. In spring 2011, I gave birth to my third son, Silas. My own birth experiences have varied from a planned birth center birth turned hospital induction, a speedy birth center birth and a waterbirth at home with midwives. I am grateful for my own diverse birth experiences as it makes me relate more.
Doula Photos
My current endeavors are studying midwifery, lactation, herbalism, learning about photography and creating an organization for all the doulas that serve Delaware.
I am currently enrolled in the photography degree program at DelTech Community College. I am taking a corespondance herbal course to become a Certified Herbalist through
Heart of Herbs.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, photography, traveling, and being active in my church.
Education and Training
2006 Certified Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
2009 Midwifery Today International Conference, Denmark
Breech Workshop with Michel Odent, Cornelia Enning and Ina May Gaskin
First and Second Stage Difficulties with by Gail Hart and Ina May Gaskin
Prolonged Labor with Gail Hart
Placenta Medicine with Cornelia Enning
Shoulder Dystocia with Gail Hart
- Hemorrhage and Third Stage Difficulties with Gail Hart
Pursuing the Birth Machine Internationally with Marsden Wagner
Birthing Women, Sacred Ground with Jan Tritten and Eneyda Spradin-Ramos
- Posterior Babies with Jan Tritten
2009 Birth Arts International, Labor Doula
2010 Heart of Herbs, Certified Herbalist - still in training
2010 Midwifery Today Conference, Philadelphia
Traditional Midwifery Skills with Elizabeth Davis and Carol Gaustchi
Mexican Traditions and Techniques with Naoli Vinevar
Massage for Labor and Birth with Elaine Stillerman
Comfort Techniques for Midwives & Doulas with Debra Pascali-Bonaro
Using your Body and the Sphincter Law with Ina May Gaskin
A Birth the Flows like a River with Mary Cooper and Carol Gaustschi
Born in the USA with Marsden Wagner
Memberships & Affiliations
Birth Arts International (BAI)
Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA)
Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS)
International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP)
"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and my soul knows very well." - Psalms 139: 13-14