Cynthia Jaffe, a licensed midwife and founder of the Greenbank Women’s Clinic and Birth Center in Greenbank, Washington, is celebrating a monumental milestone: 25 years of helping mothers bring new life into the world. With an estimated 1,200 births under her care, Jaffe’s dedication has not only shaped families but also helped define the landscape of midwifery in Washington State.
Cynthia Jaffe: A Quarter Century of Midwifery Excellence
Back in the 1990s, the concept of out-of-hospital births was still gaining mainstream recognition. Jaffe saw an unmet need and responded with the creation of Greenbank Birth Center—a facility designed to give mothers an alternative to home or hospital births.
“At the time, people didn’t even know what a midwife was,” Jaffe recalls. “Now, there’s awareness, trust, and most of all—choice.”
Over the years, her clinic became a haven for women seeking holistic, midwife-assisted care covered by insurance, including Medicaid. With a 99% return rate and zero maternal or neonatal fatalities, her track record is one of the best in the state.
Why Choose a Birth Center Over a Hospital or Home Birth?
| Feature | Home Birth | Hospital Birth | Birth Center (e.g., Greenbank) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance Coverage | Often not covered | Fully covered | Covered by Medicaid & others |
| Medical Intervention | Limited access | High intervention | Moderate; evidence-based |
| Environment | Personal home | Clinical | Home-like yet medical-ready |
| Midwife Continuity | Yes | No (staff rotations) | Yes – consistent care |
If you’re researching birth options, you may also want to review our guide on becoming a certified nurse midwife in Washington.
A Legacy That Spans Generations
Jaffe’s care has become so generational that she recently delivered a baby born to a woman she had delivered 25 years earlier.
“It was surreal,” Jaffe said. “To be part of both mother and child’s beginning is a privilege only midwifery can offer.”
Expanding the Greenbank Team
To accommodate the growing demand, Greenbank Clinic has expanded its team:
- Erin Miksic, CNM: A certified nurse midwife from New York City. Her CNM license allows her to bill the Naval Medical Insurance, expanding access for military families.
- Annastasia Kovscek: Provides well-woman services and supports prenatal care alongside Miksic.
- Diana Miller: A student midwife mentored by both Jaffe and Miksic.
Learn more about the path to becoming a midwife and how student midwives like Diana begin their careers.
What’s Changed in 25 Years of Midwifery?
Jaffe has witnessed remarkable shifts in public perception:
- Then: “What’s a midwife?”
- Now: “Which midwife are you seeing?”
The growing acceptance of midwifery is thanks to pioneers like Jaffe, who tirelessly advocated for women’s birth choices, improved safety protocols, and evidence-based care.
Empowering Women with Choice and Safety
Jaffe’s clinic offers:
- Prenatal care and natural birth planning
- Postpartum support
- Breastfeeding guidance
- Annual exams and pap smears
- Midwife-led gynecological services
Explore the different midwifery education pathways if inspired by her story and considering this profession.
Conclusion: A Life of Service, A Future of Promise
Cynthia Jaffe’s 25 years in practice are more than a personal milestone—it’s a beacon for the entire Washington midwifery community. Her influence reaches across generations, and her clinic continues to model what compassionate, personalized, and expert care should look like.
As Greenbank Birth Center grows, it remains grounded in its mission: to empower women and support families, one birth at a time.
FAQs About Midwifery in Washington State
What’s the difference between licensed and certified nurse midwives (CNM)?
In Washington, the state regulates licensed midwives (LM), while CNMs have nursing backgrounds and national certification. CNMs can prescribe medications and bill insurance more broadly.
Is a birth center safer than a home birth?
Birth centers like Greenbank offer emergency equipment and trained staff while maintaining a home-like environment, making them a safe middle ground.
Can I use Medicaid for a midwife birth in Washington?
Yes, but home births may not be covered. Certified birth centers often are.
How do I become a midwife in Washington?
You can start with an RN license and pursue an accredited CNM program. Learn more on our Washington midwife licensing page.
Are midwives trained in emergency care?
Yes. LMs and CNMs are trained in managing complications and will transfer care to a hospital if needed.