Jean E. Stokes, RN BSN CPM, Owner/Director, AABC, Inc.

"Pregnancy and birth are the highlights of a woman's lifetime. Women approach me who gave birth decades ago and are able to recount every detail of their experience. This is because birthing a baby is such a crucial and monumental achievement. It is critically important that places such as Austin ABC exist. Our midwives and their support team understand you are experiencing something sacred and precious; not simply a medical procedure. Birthing women are challenged physically and emotionally, and are required to dig deep into their spiritual selves when bringing forth new life. At Austin ABC, we understand this. Our midwives have solid medical experience and are able to tend to a mother’s physical needs safely, in a way that makes her feel secure and deeply empowered. Childbirth is a life transformation and a healing experience that lasts a lifetime. I am so proud to offer this gift to our birthing mothers."

Midwifery

• Provided a home birth service in Houston, Texas from November 1981 to January 1984.
• Provided a home birth service in Austin, Texas called "Homebirthing" from August 1984 to April 1988.
• Opened Austin Birthing Center at 8401 Shoal Creek Blvd. in Austin in September 1987.
• Focused my practice on birthing center births and services.
• Opened Austin Area Birthing Center at 8500 North Mopac in Austin in September 1989; moved to 4100 Duval Rd. in July 2005, opened second center at 2500 W. Wm. Cannon in September 2010.
• Continue to serve as both a midwife and manager of the business.
• Total births managed: 1781

Staff Nurse

• Brackenridge Hospital Labor & Delivery Unit, 1979-1981
• The Methodist Hospital Labor & Delivery, Houston (4 months in 1980)

Teaching

• Organized a childbirth education business based on the Lamaze Method. Taught 75 couples in 1980-1981.
• Have continuously taught a series of student or apprentice midwives since 1984. Several of these students are currently practicing midwifery in Austin and around the country.

Professional Affiliations

• The Association of Texas Midwives
• The American Holistic Nurses Association (founding member)
• National Association of Registered Midwives
• La Leche League International
• Midwives Alliance of North America

Personal Birth Experience

I have two sons, both born at home with the help of a midwife. Their births have added greatly to my ability to be a successful midwife. I have a personal understanding now of the work of labor as well as experience with the work of being a mother.