Women are kind, caring professionals

I was disturbed by the July 18 article in The Herald about the charges against two midwives, Janine Walker and Darlene Curtis, (“Midwife negligence charged”).

Both of the midwives in the article were my midwives throughout my entire pregnancy and delivery. I will never forget what an impact they made on my life and the lives of my family. They are unbelievable midwives and women who care so much about their clients. They are good at what they do and being midwives is in their soul.

My baby was born five weeks early, which required a hospital birth. Because of the care I received from these two women, I gave birth to an extremely healthy baby weighing in at almost 6 pounds. If I had been under the care of anyone else besides Janine or Darlene, I would not have been so fortunate. They recognized that I was in labor and needed immediate transport to the hospital. I cannot even fathom that they would do any different for anyone else.

In saddens me to hear of families that have lost babies or have had babies with special needs, but let’s not forget that every baby is a gift from God no matter how gifted they may be. This world is full of angry people who want to blame someone for the loss or damage of their baby. Sometimes it is no one’s fault. We are all in the hands of our Creator.

Darlene and Janine are beautiful, caring people who truly love and care for the babies they deliver and the families of those babies. I hope these families realize that it is no one’s fault for the loss or damage of their babies. No good will come out of trying to blame someone.

The attack on midwives today is completely unjustified. Pregnancy and childbirth is a truly sacred experience no matter what the outcome. It changes us as people. I wish people in this world would become more educated about midwives and their role. Maybe then we wouldn’t have such prosecution against them.

Another point to ponder is that the same things happen in hospitals so much more often. Would the outcome have been different? Probably not.

Darlene and Janine are the best midwives anyone could ask for. They are talented, smart, beautiful people who are not in this profession for anything other than caring for the mothers, babies and families they unselfishly serve. Remember there are two sides to every story.

Sultan

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

People sit on benches in the main hallway of Explorer Middle School’s new athletics building on Oct. 7, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Voters should approve Mukilteo schools levy, bond

The levy provides about 14% of the district’s budget. The bond funds improvements districtwide.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Jan. 22

A sketchy look at thenews of the day.… Continue reading

Vote for Lake Stevens’, other school districts’ levy requests

Between now and Tuesday, Feb. 10, residents across the county will have… Continue reading

The ‘president’ is not a well man

How pathetic! How large must the hole be in one’s soul in… Continue reading

Bouie: What Trump’s text to Norwegian leader revealed to world

The product of a disordered mind, the text shows the wounded ego of an unpredictable, unrestrained leader.

Comment: Climate crisis is levying stealth taxes on heat, smoke

The U.S. has lost more than $200 billion in gross national income since 2000. And the ‘tax’ rises with the heat.

Comment: White men aren’t persecuted; just ask Elon Musk’s Grok

X’s AI isn’t buying the myth of reverse discrimination. So why do Musk, Trump, et al., continue the self-pity?

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, Jan. 21

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank testifies before the Washington state Senate Law and Justice Committee in Olympia on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (Screenshot courtesy of TVW)
Editorial: Find path to assure fitness of sheriff candidates

An outburst at a hearing against a bill distracted from issues of accountability and voters’ rights.

Welch: State of the state reflects continuing challenges

The governor was optimistic, but affordability, housing and flooding response remain unresolved.

Vote for students and the future with Lake Stevens school levy

Two years ago, I chose to move to Lake Stevens because of… Continue reading

Students deserve quality education, support Everett schools levy, bond

With school bonds and levies on the ballot, it’s a timely reminder… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.