We believe that pregnancy and birth are a natural process and that all people should have the freedom to choose where and with whom they give birth.
Who We Are
Midwifery Traditions is a home and hospital birth practice serving the Philadelphia, PA area. We provide education and supportive care during this time. Our goal is to give you access to the information you need to make informed choices. Our clients are leaders in their care and choose the aspects of care that are appropriate for them from the full range of testing to alternative modalities.
Midwifery care is not only for the childbearing year. Midwives also provide respectful care across the lifespan. Midwifery Traditions supports clients through holistic gynecologic care and preconception counseling.
Meet the Midwives
KATHLEEN HINDLE, CNM
My path to midwifery began with my exposure to farm animals giving birth. Those sheep, cows, or horses I watched from afar with little interruption had easier, shorter births and healthier babies. That this would be true for us as well seemed obvious.
In 1978, I was pregnant with my first child and I knew that a non-interventive birth would be the easiest and safest way for us. There seemed no way to avoid common hospital procedures other than staying home to give birth. After having my own home birth, my passion became to be as educated about birth as I could without going to medical school and embracing that model. The amazing midwives who helped me when I had my children taught me what they knew. Soon friends and friends of friends asked if I would help them give birth to their babies at home. I began my practice as a traditional midwife (1978-2000) and was present for the birth of thousands of babies.
I began the slow path of nursing school while raising my children. When my youngest was 5, I began midwifery school at University of Medicine of New Jersey, graduating in 2000. I finished my masters in Midwifery at Philadelphia University in 2001. My practice, Midwifery Traditions, was incorporated in 2002.
ALISON VANTILBURG, CNM
It was eight years ago that I knew I wanted to be a midwife, but I didn’t know what that meant. I started to slowly tick away at pre-nursing coursework but found myself called to out of hospital birth. I love the intimacy and respect for the individual needs and wishes of the birthing family. It became apparent to me that this is how I would want my babies to be born and that this is the type of care I want to provide.
In 2010, I began my apprenticeship with Kathy Hindle at Midwifery Traditions. I have had the opportunity to attend over 200 births, most at home. I fell in love with Midwifery Traditions’ families and watching them grow together over time is so rewarding!
I received my BSN from Drexel University and my Master of Science in Midwifery at the Midwifery Institute of Philadelphia University.
I hope to continue to serve the Midwifery Traditions families for years to come!
KARA MCQUILLAN, CNM
I was first introduced to the midwifery model of care while studying abroad in the Netherlands in 2009. It was there that I began searching for a provider to oversee my pregnancy with my first daughter. While inquiring about local doctors, my requests were met with blank stares of confusion. Finally, someone said, “You need a MIDWIFE, not a doctor!” I feel very fortunate to have had my first prenatal experience in a country with a national maternity system deeply rooted in midwifery.
Shortly after the birth of my first daughter, I completed a B.A. in Anthropology at Ithaca College and decided that I wanted to support families through the transformative experience of childbirth. I began working towards my nursing degree while pregnant with my second daughter and trained as a doula shortly after her birth. I have been supporting birthing families in various capacities since 2010, with each experience encouraging my drive to become a midwife.
I received my Master of Science in Midwifery from the Midwifery Institute of Philadelphia University and welcome the opportunity to serve the amazing Midwifery Traditions community!
We can't wait to meet you!
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