Frequently Asked Questions
What is a licensed midwife?
Licensed midwives are autonomous healthcare providers who are experts in low risk pregnancy and birth. They are trained via a direct entry school requiring completion of a 3 year program. They must complete clinical requirements, pass a Florida board examination, and maintain certifications and CEUs annually.
How do I know if I am a good candidate for midwifery care?
This answer sometimes requires sitting down together and taking an in-depth health history. Midwives can only care for low risk people so that means sometimes we ask a lot of questions to be sure you are a good fit. Some things that might disqualify you from midwifery care include serious pre-existing conditions such as blood clotting disorders, hypertension, diabetes, some medications, and multiple surgeries on your uterus. In addition to these pre-existing conditions, midwives can not care for twins, breech presentations, or VBACs after two cesareans.
What if there is an emergency?
Midwives are trained in normal low risk birth and are highly skilled at noticing and preventing complications. However, sometimes emergencies happen that are unpreventable. Midwives carry emergency antihemorrhagic medications, IV supplies, oxygen, and neonatal resuscitation equipment for those instances. In a true emergency, a midwife can act as the provider that stabilizes you for hospital transfer. In this situation, the midwife would activate EMS, help facilitate transfer, go with you to the hospital, and then stay until you are stable.
Do you offer VBAC?
Yes, however, you will require a Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) consultation to review your previous operative report and to determine if you are a good candidate for home birth. If it is determined you are not a good candidate for home birth, you can proceed with midwifery care via prenatal care and have a planned hospital VBAC. We have great surrounding hospitals with amazing VBAC success rates.
What is the difference between a licensed midwife and an OB?
Both are autonomous providers who care for pregnant people. However, an OB holds a medical license that specializes in care for complex high risk cases. They are also trained surgeons and can perform complex procedures such as cesarean sections and suturing of 3rd and 4th degree vaginal lacerations.
Can I have a midwife if I have a high BMI?
Yes! We will not disqualify you from midwifery care based on your BMI alone. We have a Health at Every Size (HAES) perspective which emphasizes overall well-being over weight loss. We strive to actively work to dispel fatphobia in birthwork. We will review and consider all health and lifestyle factors and also offer appropriate screening.
Can I have a midwife if I am over 35?
Absolutely! You will not be labeled “high risk” based on your age alone. In the obstetrical world, we call this AMA or Advanced Maternal Age and while it does not risk you out of midwifery care, it may require more testing. We will offer all appropriate age guideline screenings and follow The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AGOG) recommendations for all people over 35. This may look like extensive genetic screening, more ultrasounds in pregnancy, and a specialized fetal-surveillance plan starting at 37 weeks.
What costs are associated with midwifery care?
Please see our Services page and our Pricing and Fees page for full cost-breakdowns!
Schedule a free consultation
Reach out to book a free 30 minute phone or video call. Speak to our team and learn what aspects of midwifery care or doula support are right for you and your family.