Sarah Colbath, CNM (she/her), began her journey into Midwifery in 2008 after discovering the joy and honor of working with pregnant people through her then profession of massage therapy. Wanting to serve this population in a more impactful way, she felt drawn toward a career change. Subsequent and voracious research revealed a shocking lack of respect for the normal, physiologic process of labor and birth within the medical industrial complex wherein unnecessary intervention, birth trauma, and racial inequities are rampant. Learning about the status quo of birth in the US, and the lack of birthing choices outside of this “system” was what compelled Sarah to become a provider of compassionate and evidence-based care, particularly as a Midwife. Although Midwives are historically underrepresented and undervalued, Sarah believes the true art of caring for pregnant and birthing people, and for those across the reproductive lifespan in the way they inherently deserve, is best met by the love and skill of a patient Midwife. Having had the most incredible inspiration in her own Midwives for the home births of her two sons, Sarah hopes that her commitment to this life affirming work is just as empowering to those in her care as her providers were to her.
Sarah worked with hundreds of families in NYC for nearly a decade as a labor support doula and lactation counselor, and as a Midwives’ Assistant at the Brooklyn Birthing Center. She graduated with honors both in nursing school at Hunter College, and at SUNY Downstate Medical Center for her Masters in Midwifery. She trained primarily in NYC public hospitals in Brooklyn and the Bronx under the guidance of a diverse group of impassioned Midwives. Sarah then had the great fortune of working with her own beloved home birth Midwives before moving to New Jersey to join the MNJ team. She is thrilled to be a part of a practice where birth choice is honored, and out of hospital birth is encouraged and supported. While her love of home birth will always shape her outlook on this work, she knows that every person and family have different needs and desires, and all people should be given agency in their own decision-making and fully supported during this transformative life experience.
Although sad to leave the city, Sarah is adjusting to suburban New Jersey quite easily. Having grown up in rural Maine, enjoying access to the beautiful native Lenape land is truly a blessing for her and her family that they do not take for granted. Her partner David, a sailboat captain by trade, holds down the homestead with their two young kiddos Rufus and Hugo, while Sarah is away day and night holding space and catching babies. She is truly grateful for him, and for this opportunity to grow and provide excellent care alongside the Midwives of New Jersey.
More About Our Mount Olive Location