MIDWIFERY STUDY: STERLING KITCHENS
In keeping with the theme of this month's pregnancy posts, we wanted to spotlight our fine-feathered friend, Sterling, a student of midwifery and an all-around badass chick. With her extensive knowledge about women's health and wellness as well as good coffee, she knocked our Q&A out of the park. Check out her responses below + our stylized shoot to showcase her inner and outer beauty.
Tell us your name: Sterling Kitchens
Hometown + Current city: Everywhere and Macon, Georgia
Profession: Holistic full spectrum doula/student of midwifery
Inspiration: I am an advocate for sexual and reproductive health. I vehemently believe in a woman’s right to choose regardless of where that choice falls on the spectrum. I came to midwifery as a platform to support women with unbiased and evidence-based information as they encounter these decisions. I’ve witnessed pregnancy, labor, and birth to be such a powerful and sacred state it seems odd to automatically pair it with allopathic and paternalistic medicine. The full spectrum of reproductive rights belongs in the hands and bellies of women.
Current practice: I am currently attending Birthwise Midwifery School. My education and clinical apprenticeships will prepare me to attend homebirths of women with low-risk pregnancies. I will be graduating in a year or so and upon graduation; I will sit before a national board and apply for my license to become a certified professional midwife (CPM). I hope to create a small practice with a sister midwife.
Describe yourself in one word: "Lithe,” as suggested from a kind friend.
What makes you tick? Equality. Community. Sharing a French press. Vulnerability. Predictable jokes.
Personal mantra or quote: Assume positive intent.
Favorite form of release or hobby: Bath time all the time.
Pick a Superfood: Garlic!
Best indulgence: IPAs and coffee… but not together.
Trend you are loving: My new year’s resolution is to revisit what “sustainability” means in my life, specifically my relationship with food. For the past couple of years I have been trending toward whole foods, prepared simply, and shared with good people…I’d like to continue that: eating intimately.
Favorite form of exercise: I recently joined The Compound in Macon. It is such a supportive community. We do interval training; sometimes it makes me want to cuss, but my thighs thank me for it.
Holistic health to you: For me holistic health is self-care that I am forever growing toward. It’s recognizing and acknowledging the relationship of my mental, physical, and emotional health is directly influenced by what I engage and indulge in.
