Lisa-Marie Cook, RNC-OB, C-EFM, BSN, ICCE, CD

A well balanced forum of instruction and caring.

Personal Background:

I grew up on the Hawaiian North Shore of Oahu, a place where ocean breezes kiss the green Ko’olau mountains in the little village of Kahuku.  My father was a preacher, my mother a nurse—and from my parents I gained a holistic view of medicine--where the mind, body and spirit all interact, affecting the body you live in and the health you enjoy.

I’m married to the most wonderful man, Daniel, who believes in me and encouraged me to take the leap into business ownership—opening “Mother-Friendly” Childbirth Classes unique in nature to meet your specific needs.  As I continue to do research for this book, he has helped me manage the “business side of stuff”—registrations, certifications, emails, etc.  I couldn’t have a childbirth business without him!  During our spare time we hike, bike, garden, spend time with friends and family and we love doing many activities with our Christ Chapel Church family!

I’ve personally had the opportunity of experiencing natural childbirth TWICE—to two beautiful daughters—Angela, a Master’s graduate in 'International Journalism', and Karissa, a Health Professions Educator and Athletic Trainer in Columbus, Georgia.   Their births were momentous and life changing, as they indelibly marked my path as a mother and nurse.  My heart was changed after they were born, increasing my desire to positively impact the women whose lives I touch on their own birth journey.   I have a terrific stepson, Sven, who lives in Germany.  My life is whole and complete.

Professional Background & Training:

I’ve worked as a Labor and Delivery nurse for twenty-five years at various hospitals and Birthing Centers in Austin, Texas and here in the Metropolitan DC area. I have an Advanced Certification in Inpatient Obstetrics, hence my “RNC-OB” title, so I have the unique ability as a Childbirth Instructor to discuss any specific health challenges that may impact your birth.   My work at INOVA Fairfax/Alexandria Hospitals and George Washington University Hospital provided many opportunities working with both midwife-attended natural childbirths and physician-attended high-risk births.

Five years ago, Dr. Susanne Bathgate, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist at GWUH,  asked, “Lisa, do you know of anyone who might be able to teach a class for this one patient that I have on bed rest?  She wants to take a childbirth class, but there’s no way that she’ll be able to do a 6-week series.”  This was my baptism into Childbirth Education.  It was here that I recognized the need to provide Childbirth Education to the family that might have a difficult time finding classes specifically designed to fit their unique needs.  I am able to provide classes for the high-risk patient facing health issues that may not be addressed in a regular childbirth class setting.

 I am a Certified Childbirth Instructor through the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) whose Family-Centered Philosophy recognizes birth as a life event rather than a medical procedure.  My classes respect the woman’s individuality and sense of autonomy, recognizing the importance of information to help women achieve their own goals for the best possible health outcome for all the members of the family. (www.icea.org/content/mission) As a certified ICEA childbirth educator and recognized “Mother-Friendly” RNC-OB nurse, I endeavor to teach my students the most current evidence-based practices to achieve the best birth possible.

I look forward to preparing you and your support person for one of the most memorable days you’ll ever experience.

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-Copyright and Trademark Statements         Year Published/Completed: 2010,  previously registered in 2009         Author: Lisa-Marie Sasaki Cook

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