Valerie Simmons, RM

Valerie was born and raised in Ireland, and became a registered nurse in 1992 after completing her training in Dublin. She then moved to Cardiff, Wales (UK) and became a registered midwife in 1995. After working in Cardiff for 2 ½ years she went to Uganda for a year teaching and practicing midwifery in a Government training school and hospital. At the beginning of 1999 she returned to the UK and completed a Masters degree in Health Service Studies. She began teaching midwifery at Hull University in northern England in 2001, as well as working in various settings including a low risk birth center and high risk obstetric units.

Valerie worked with the Cowichan Midwifery Group throughout 2005 and then moved to Victoria in 2006. She and her husband are happy to make Victoria their home.

"Valerie and Uta provided us with exceptional emotional and physical support that enabled us to have an unforgetable and amazing home birth, for which we are extremely grateful. Their wisdom and understanding put us both at ease and allowed us to focus on the birth of our first son.”

Uta Herold, RM

I have been a midwife for 26 years, completing my midwifery education in 1981 in Germany and since then have attended approximately 2000 births. The midwifery care I provide is built upon my strong belief in birth as a natural process. I see myself as a professional guide accompanying women during this very intense personal experience and I am very passionate about the special services and care our ancient profession has to offer.

I am educated in classical homeopathy, traditional chinese medicine, aromatherapy and herbal medicine for use in pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period. I registered with the College of Midwives of BC in 2006 and have been working as a midwife in Victoria since the summer of 2007.

I am the mother of two son's who were born in 1999 and 2001.

‘The birth of our son Jack was made more remarkable and memorable because of the guidance and patience of both Valerie and Uta. Without their exceptional skills and caring the birth experience would not have been as perfect. Thank you both so much’.