Nina Ballantyne, CNM

My life work is to support people to reconnect to their own innate/divine design and inner ancient wisdom. I believe that pregnancy, birth and postpartum is a sacred time of transition that needs to be honored. I opened Sweetfern Midwifery in the beginning of 2021 and before that I worked in a busy birth center practice. I am a Board Certified Nurse Midwife and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner as well as a Lactation Educator. I came to this work by a long and winding path, but always knowing that this was my calling. I first became a Postpartum Doula, helping women with newborn care, self-care and cooking nutritious meals. I later chose to pursue a BSN in Nursing and become an RN with the goal of eventually becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). I worked as a Labor and Delivery RN for almost five years on a unit with many high-risk patients. I also ran a community-based breastfeeding support group as a Lactation Educator (CLEC). Along the way I had three children of my own, who were all born at home with midwives. While I value the skills and knowledge that I gained in the hospital environment, and am grateful for those resources when they are needed, I truly love homebirth and believe that the home is the ideal place to welcome a baby. 

My goal is to empower you as much as possible by discussing all options as well as the associated risks and benefits and coming to a mutual decision about what care feels best. I am here to be a resource to guide and support you. I believe in having a full “toolkit” and knowing when to use what. For example, as Nurse Midwife I can write prescriptions if needed and I have a lot of "medical" experience, but I also work with herbs and focus on nutrition. My aim is to use as little intervention as possible and support you and your body to feel strong and healthy and comfortable. I welcome all individuals and family structures and also recognize that not everyone seeking care may identify as female. 

“I had an amazing, healing and empowering experience with Nina during my second child’s birth. Her presence in the room was calm and gentle, yet firm and competent, and she grounded everything. I appreciated that she listened to me throughout, talking to and treating us with true respect and mutuality. There is so much more I could say! I’m grateful that Nina was our midwife for this birth.” ~ Aileen 

“I am forever grateful that I was able to have Nina as my midwife on my journey throughout my second pregnancy. Her sweet, caring, nurturing energy, along with her awesome personality spoke wonders to myself and my husband which assured us this experience was going to be the best choice for us! After meeting Nina and discussing her knowledge and her experience in her field it eased any concerns I may have had about having an out of hospital birth. Nina was truly amazing throughout my whole pregnancy and birth of my daughter. Her comfort, reassurance, encouragement, and support she displayed while I was in labor was truly a blessing. When I decided to have an all natural water birth I had no idea it would take everything in me the way it did, but it was such a beautiful and powerful moment I couldn't imagine having done it any other way, with any other midwife. I will definitely be having Nina as my midwife again if we are blessed to bring another life into this world. Nina continues to be a light in our lives and will forever be a part of our tribe. I hold a spot near and dear to my heart for her and am beyond grateful for her spirit.” ~ Ruth

“My child’s birth was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I am so grateful for having Nina as my midwife. She listened to my wishes and supported my choices. I wanted the birth to be as natural as possible. She offered us privacy and space, yet would check in regularly and was there by my side during the most important parts. It was perfect; that privacy allowed my husband and I to bond more deeply, he held me through contractions in the bath for hours, and together we experienced the journey and miracle of birth. Nina helped guide me through positions, and helped me discover which one worked best. She listened to my desire to postpone cutting the umbilical cord until it was no longer pulsing…and she even let me be the one to feel the cord and make that decision. I felt empowered in the birth process. Nina’s presence was respectful, kind, and encouraging. I highly encourage you to accept Nina as your midwife. She will be requested by me during my next birth, and I will continue to guide others her direction.” ~ Laura 

“Nina was our midwife for our first natural birth with our second child. I had felt the most comfortable with Nina during our prenatal visits so I was excited to find out that she was our midwife on-call when labor began. Nina always put my fears to ease about natural labor during appointments, she would listen to my fears, encourage me, and empower me. During labor Nina brought such a quiet but yet supportive presence to our birth. I loved that she let me labor how I wanted with very little interruption-it felt so peaceful. When I felt the urge to push Nina said “great, go for it”, once again I felt in control and free to push how I wanted (very different from my previous experience). We had a slight complication during labor where my son’s shoulders got stuck but I will forever remember how calm Nina was, she knew when to take over and firmly but calmly instruct me on what to do to ensure a safe delivery. We will forever hold a special place in our hearts for Nina and the amazing role she played in our sons’ birth.” ~ Whitney 

Sweetfern grew along the edge of the fields near where I grew up and it is a natural bug repellant. I was a very adventurous kid and I spent many hours exploring the woods and marsh lands behind my home. Before I would head out for the day, I always stopped by the sweetfern plants and rubbed their scent all over my arms and legs to keep the bugs away. It has a sweet, pungent smell and this is the smell I associate with so many good adventures. I want you to think of pregnancy and birth like setting off on an exciting adventure and so I named my practice after this beloved plant that feels that way to me and also smells good and offers protection. Never forget that you are a wild and beautiful being!

Based in Costa Mesa, CA. Serving Orange County and Long Beach. For inquiries or to set up a free consultation visit, please email: sweetfernmidwife@gmail.com