About

Maureen smiling in her office in Elkins, WV – photographed by Marlyn McClendon

My name is Maureen Farrell; I am a Certified Family Herbalist, Certified Lactation Counselor, Certified Doula, and a Certified Professional Midwife. My practice is located in Elkins, WV! I have created Highland Birth Support to serve you and your family during the childbearing year; it is an independent business providing holistic care.

The Childbearing Year is a term referring to the period of fertility prior to pregnancy, the entire pregnancy, and the postpartum time. Here in the Highland region of West Virginia, I aim to support families by providing midwifery care, full-spectrum doula services, lactation support, childbirth education, and herbal consultation.

It is my goal to support families in making their own best choices during their birth experience. Whether that means supporting you in your homebirth, and keeping that space safe by providing clinical assessment and midwifery care, or accompanying you to the hospital where I can provide emotional support and help you communicate with your healthcare providers during labor. It is not my wish to make choices for you, but rather to help you access the information you need to make your own choices. I believe in autonomy in birth and wish to help you protect your space and safety while you do the hard work of birthing a baby.

I also create two podcasts so that I can help people around the world improve their pregnancy and breastfeeding experiences: the Milk Minute Podcast and Beyond the Boob. You can learn more about those here! My podcasts are a great way to expand your education whether you are a parent, supportive friend, or healthcare provider.

I currently live on a small farm outside of Elkins, WV with my husband, two children, dogs, cats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, geese, and ducks! I love to watch things grow and bloom, and I would love to share that knowledge with you.

Maureen with her two dogs, photographed by Cassandra Culver