Meet the Midwives
‘Ōhi’a and All About Birth
MARGARET RAGEN CM, LM, MS (‘Ōhi’a Midwifery)
Margaret has been involved in health and healing for the past 30 years. Her vast experience in urban, rural, and international settings has prepared her to support families to build upon their strengths. Deeply relevant on Hawai’i, she has an understanding of rural healthcare, and has chosen to focus on mental health and prevention. The importance of empowering families when engaging in healthcare is fundamental to her service. The past few years Margaret has also been involved in community engagement to expand equitable access to midwifery care and pathways for Hawai’i-based midwifery students.
The recent Maui fires stirred memories of Margaret’s own entry into midwifery, 40 weeks pregnant during the crisis of 9/11 in NYC. The safe haven of having been prepared for a planned home-birth during total chaos ingrained in her how crucial is community based-care AND how valuable midwives are in a continuum of care…in all locations. That experience of feeling confident in herself and confident in her provider inspired Margaret to imagine she could offer that same service for others. She began work as a doula and then birth assistant. She had a second child and eventually completed a graduate program in Midwifery from SUNY Downstate in 2018.
Margret has worked at the Brooklyn Birthing Center and Jazz Birth Center in NYC and the rural Southampton hospital on Long Island. During the pandemic in these birth centers and hospital, she learned a lot about the importance of access to care. Margaret had been coming to visit family in Hawai’i since 1980. After the intensity of the pandemic and wanting a better life for her family, she finally moved to Hawai’i in 2022. Within a year she began looking into opening a birth center in South Kona which resulted in community engagement to update 1986 birth center regulations so they can be midwifery run! Meanwhile, joined in opening a clinic, where she can provide full-scope care at ‘Ōhi’a Midwifery & Wellness in Kealakekua. Margaret also volunteers as secretary of the board of the Hawai’i Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (HAA) who represents Certified Midwives (CMs) and Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs).
TESTIMONIALS
“Mahalo nui for being that positive and strong energy during the birth of my second son. Thank you for supporting my decisions and listening intently with genuine love.”
“”You really made an impact on our community. You went above and beyond to make connections. You did what it takes to bring services to the population we serve. These positive outcomes are what make it all worthwhile!”
SUSAN LAWLER CPM, LM (All About Birth)
The first birth Susan ever attended in a supportive role was in 1991 witnessing the birth of her niece. She found herself in awe and inspired by how important being born truly is. Soon after Susan found the book “Spiritual Midwifery” by Ina May Gaskin and read it alongside “A Child is Born” by Lennart Nilsson. She devoured them both and could not get enough! Five years later, Susan had obtained certification as a doula, stepping into the world of supporting women during their childbearing years. Her passion led her to become a childbirth educator the following year.
As a Doula and Midwife Assistant, Susan had the honor of assisting over 2000 families. She mentored numerous couples through childbirth classes, creating a lasting impact on their birthing experiences. Susan attended births in hospitals, birth centers, and private homes gaining invaluable experience under various skilled providers including OB/GYN’s, Certified Nurse Midwives, and Licensed Midwives. In 2003, Susan had the opportunity to Join The Birthing Inn in Tacoma, WA as a midwife assistant and childbirth educator, further enriching her knowledge and exposing her to a diverse range of practices. She became immersed in the childbirth culture, assisting, teaching and co-managing The Birthing Inn.
Susan’s decade-long observation and learning phase as a Doula, Midwife Assistant, and Childbirth Educator culminated in her decision to pursue midwifery school. By the fall of 2008, she proudly became a Licensed Certified Professional Midwife in Washington State, committed to serving her clients with the nurturing Midwifery Model of Care. In 2013 Susan took ownership of The Birthing Inn. In addition to working as the owner/operator/clinical director, Susan also mentored student doulas and midwives.
In 2023 she sold the center and turned her attention back to midwifery, holistic pregnancy coaching, and consulting. To be near family and serve the community in Hawai’i…starting January 2025, she is expanding her services – partnering with ‘Ōhi’a Midwifery & Wellness.
Check out Susan’s website to learn more: https://susanlawlermidwife.com/susan-lawler-dem/
Student Midwives
We are committed to fostering the next generation of midwives. Our mentoring program offers the opportunity to complete their studies in an environment of community care. We are currently taking applications for future CM, CNM, and CPMs. Contact us to learn more!
'Ōhi'a Midwifery & Wellness, LLC 