Our Midwives
Midwifery Care is a team led by Colleen Forbes, LDM with Victoria Silvanus, LDM. The families in our care get to know each of us during pregnancy, ensuring that you’re accompanied in labor by a familiar and trusted duo. We look forward to getting to know you.
Colleen Forbes,
MPH, LDM, CPM
As the primary midwife at Midwifery Care, I bring 25 years of experience in women's health care to my practice.
I have a B.A. in Psychology and recently achieved a Masters in Public Health. I am currently an Oregon Licensed Direct Entry Midwife (LDM) and a North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Certified Professional Midwife (CPM). I have been in independent practice as a licensed midwife since 2002.
I earned my midwifery credentials through the apprentice model of training and the North American Registry of Midwives Portfolio Evaluation Process. I engaged in a four-year mentorship in a busy practice, gaining skills and pursuing independent study, and I gained invaluable experience during a two-week intensive program in a Jamaican hospital.
I am a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP). As such, I bring nutrition to the forefront of my practice and integrate it into the care of every client — for the benefit of you and your baby during pregnancy and beyond.
In 2023 I completed coursework for certification as a lactation consultant. I currently hold a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist credential with plans to sit for the IBCLC exam in early 2025. I enjoy all aspects of postpartum care for families, including providing the support, expertise and encouragement necessary to navigate the early weeks of the breastfeeding relationship.
My passion for midwifery began in 1993 with an introduction to feminist women's health care and the sense of empowerment inherent in making informed choices about our bodies. As the supervisor of a Feminist Women's Health Center, I gained the skills and passion for advocacy, informed choice and empowerment. I carried this passion to Honduras where I served as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching life skills, sexuality, and positive discipline. In my spare time I tagged along with local midwives, which fed my growing passion for this amazing vocation.
In 1998 my daughter, Lucy, was born into the loving hands of her Papa and midwife. Shortly thereafter I began my apprenticeship and experienced the joy and reward of sitting with women through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Often Lucy was along, riding high in a backpack and peering out as new little ones arrived. In 2001, as my apprenticeship grew into a partnership, I was blessed again with a homebirth as my son, Harper, was welcomed by his Papa, sister, and my midwife/mentor.
Besides the time spent practicing midwifery, I teach grassroots midwifery education, and lecture on nutrition for the childbearing year. I am an active member of the Oregon Midwifery Council, and serve on the Quality Improvement Committee.
I served on the Board of Direct Entry Midwifery from 2013 thru 2019 and as Chair for five years. I collaborate with local hospitals and providers to optimize home-to-hospital transports through the Oregon Community Birth Transfer Partnership.
All that work keeps me quite busy. When it’s time to play, I have my garden. I am an avid perennial gardener (my husband is the veggie guy), and I find great pleasure in creating a landscape that is a haven for my family and myself. My spirit is renewed by my contact with the earth and all that flourishes here. Exercise is a vital part of my life too. I stay active and invigorated through cycling, weightlifting, hiking, and gardening. Don't be surprised if I show up for a prenatal visit on my bike! Besides catching babies, nothing makes me happier than riding my bike, in 2022 I rode 3378 miles across the country!
I could not be the successful midwife I am without the constant support and patience of my husband, Mike. Despite the demands of his own career in organic produce, he always seems to be available when the phone call comes, and when I return home tired and hungry.
I am passionate about my work as a midwife and am eternally grateful to all those who have invited me to be part of this most amazing event.
Victoria Silvanus, LDM, CPM
I am a Certified Professional Midwife, currently attending births as an assistant while providing primary midwifery care in clinic. I attend births as well as an average of four prenatal visits and two postpartum visits.
I graduated from the University of Oregon in 1995 with a B.S. in Pre-Medical Sciences, then began my midwifery studies while a lead healthworker at Feminist Women's Health Center. From 1998–2000, I attended births as an assistant/apprentice with several area midwives. In 2002 I began working with Colleen, assisting births and attending prenatal and postpartum visits. After four years, I took a three-year sabbatical from midwifery, returning in 2009 to once again be assistant midwife with Midwifery Care. In 2023 I applied my vast experience and skills to become a CPM and LDM.
In addition to my extensive knowledge of pregnancy and birth, I maintain current training in neonatal resuscitation and infant and adult CPR. I am well versed in nutrition, immunology, and food allergies, so I can provide an amazing amount of information and support to all our clients.
I have two grown children who were lovingly birthed at home with midwives.
“Colleen and Victoria were astute professionals from the beginning. Colleen is knowledgeable and offers a variety of solutions to having your ideal homebirth. Victoria even knew how to increase our water temperature to make the tub extra warm during labor!”
— Vince