Midwifery Care

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I believe that the innate ability to give birth naturally is in all women and I am dedicated to supporting women in making choices that work for them.

I have seen that women with the most positive birth experiences:

  • Educate themselves about their options for birth
  • Choose their birth environment and birth attendants
  • Are supported in their choices (by their families and birth attendants)

I ask my clients to make informed decisions, strive for optimal health and nutrition, and to honor my need to comply with the licensing and regulatory requirements of the state of South Carolina.

Midwifery in South Carolina 

The state of SC endorses and regulates midwifery care.

Licensed midwives provide collaborative prenatal care, primary assistance in the birth process, initial care of the newborn, postpartum care of the mother, and follow-up on both. Deliveries are generally conducted in the home, but may be conducted in a hospital or birthing center. Should there be deviations from a normal, low-risk pregnancy or delivery, the licensed midwife consults a qualified physician and makes an appropriate referral. The Licensed Midwife is trained and equipped to carry out life-saving measures.

Both my SC state license and my national CPM credential requires that I have peer review each year as well as 16 hours of continuing education per year. (top)

WHY Homebirth?

When you choose to have your baby at home you have freedom to:

  • Move around and to eat and drink as you please.
  • Choose who will be present at your birth. You may invite supportive friends and family members to attend your birth in any role you choose (for labor support or to prepare food).
  • Include siblings, to the degree that you feel comfortable. Children love to participate during the birth or afterwards when they can help weigh and dress the baby.

When you choose to give birth in your own home, you set the tone.

  • You’re in a familiar, comfortable environment.
  • Your baby is already immune to the germs and allergens in your home.

I’ve seen hundreds of babies born safely in their mothers’ homes, however, if you have a complicated pregnancy or if problem arises during labor, then it’s best to be in the hospital. If it becomes necessary to bring a mother to the hospital during labor I will stay with her to provide support and continuity of care.

Cost for Homebirth

Many insurance companies do cover midwifery fees. My insurance billing service can check what your particular policy covers. Homebirth with a midwife is less than half the cost of an uncomplicated pregnancy and hospital delivery. I provide payment plans for families paying cash and I also take credit card payments. (top)

WHO is a Candidate for Homebirth?

You are a good candidate for out of-hospital birth if you take care of your body & mind by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, making healthy lifestyle choices, and trusting in your innate ability to do what your body was designed to do.

Women who have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or other serious illness should deliver in a hospital under the care of an obstetrician. South Carolina currently does not allow licensed midwives to attend Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBACs). (top)

WHAT to Expect from a Homebirth Midwife

Prenatal care

I am happy to offer a free initial consultation in person or by phone. Once we decide to work together prenatal visits will be scheduled:

  • Every 4 weeks through 28 weeks gestation
  • Every 2 weeks through 36 weeks gestation
  • Every week until baby’s birthday

During each of these visits we will discuss how to enjoy a healthy pregnancy, which includes nutritional counseling, suggestions for alleviating pregnancy discomforts, and your specific desires for the upcoming birth.

I will check your vitals signs and the baby’s position and listen to fetal heart tones to help us determine mother and child well being. I provide referrals for other services such as backup medical care, ultrasound, or childbirth education classes.

Support and care during labor

Continuity of care is one of the most important reasons to choose a midwife. We spend months getting to know one another and forming a relationship so by the time baby’s birthday arrives you have a familiar caregiver to attend you. I support the family from the beginning of labor until delivery and beyond.

I will monitor mom and baby’s well being in a respectful and unobtrusive way. Mom will always be encouraged to follow her body’s wisdom, including what she eats and drinks and how she labors and in what position she pushes.

Postpartum care

The hours immediately following birth is a special time. I closely monitor mother and baby and at the same time guard those first precious moments of bonding. I will check Mom and baby again 1 to 2 days after delivery, 1 week and 6 weeks postpartum and more as needed. I will also:

  • perform the newborn screening test for baby
  • complete and file the birth certificate
  • counsel and support mom with breastfeeding

If you must be transferred to a hospital during or after birth, I will accompany you and also provide postpartum care at your home if needed. (top)

WHERE do I Find More Information About Homebirth?

Access to midwifery care is much easier in today’s connected world than it was when I first began practicing. But there is still a need to educate the general public about the safety and benefits of midwifery care and homebirth.

Safety of Homebirth Study

Mothers Naturally is a deep resource for natural pregnancy and homebirth.

The Business of Being Born is an excellent documentary, available via Netflix.

WHERE can you get involved with the campaign to support midwives?

Citizens for Midwifery
North Carolina Friends of Midwives
The Big Push for Midwives

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