Janice Bovee, CNM

Valley Women for Women Midwives Gilbert, Arizona (480) 782-0993 www.vwfw.com

Years of practice: I became an RN in 1978.  I worked in L&D, Emergency, NICU, PedICU for 20 yrs before becoming a nurse-midwife.
Why did you become a midwife? I became a nurse-midwife because I wanted to have a more progressive role in caring for women.  I wanted more advanced education and training.  I thought about going to medical school to become an obstetrician, but realized that I was most interested in the midwifery model of care.
What do you wish women knew about pregnancy or birth? I wish that women were more empowered, in pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood.  I want to be a source of knowledge and empowerment for them to make their own best decisions and choices.
What were your own birth experiences like? My first pregnancy was at age 19.  I was completely unaware of what was happening to me.  In those days, we never heard our babies’ heartbeat or saw an ultrasound.  It was all a mystery.  We had no support in labor and birth.  It was all scary and lonely.  I want to make sure the mothers I care for feel respected, heard, guided and supported.
​If you could change one thing about women's health care, what would it be? If I could change one thing about women’s health care it would be to train more nurse-midwives.  I believe the future will need more of us and we need to be ready.  I love this work!

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