What does midwifery care look like?

Here, we try to build a relationship with each family. Prenatal appointments are roughly an hour long, and that entire time is face-to-face time with you as the individual focus. We’ll talk about how you’ve been feeling, talk about ways to help any pregnancy discomforts you’re experiencing, make sure you’re taking good care of yourself between visits, check your vital signs and urine, and measure and listen to the baby during each visit. Longer visits also give us time to get to know each other; by birth, you’ll have a trusted companion through labor, not a stranger in your home.

We follow the same general schedule for prenatal visits that many OBs would: once every 4 weeks until 28-30 weeks, every 2 weeks until your home visit (at 36-37 weeks), then weekly until delivery. If you do reach 41 weeks of pregnancy, then I prefer to see you twice in that final week to keep a closer eye on the baby’s wellbeing. After the birth, I’ll be back to your home for visits at 24-36 hours and again at 3-4 days postpartum. Then you’ll return to the office at 2-3 weeks and 5-6 weeks for postpartum check-ups for you and your baby. If you need more support, I’ll be there!

How does midwifery care during a home birth differ from hospital birth?

Midwifery care during home births is characterized by its personalized, family-centered approach. Midwives focus on fostering a strong connection with the birthing person and their family, spending ample time discussing preferences and concerns and addressing any questions. Home births typically have a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere compared to hospital births, which can be beneficial for those seeking a low-intervention experience.

Throughout care, I get to know each client very well. I learn their wishes, preferences, and personalities. This helps me understand how to best support them during labor, and they don’t have to worry about feeling like a stranger is delivering their baby. My clients don’t have a large group of people filling the room, and different nurses and doctors constantly change shifts. My birth team is two people—me and one trained birth assistant.

Who is a candidate for home birth?

Home birth with a licensed midwife can be a good option for mothers who are low risk. This means that there are no major foreseeable complications, and the client does not have any major chronic medical conditions, like diabetes or heart/blood pressure problems. Certain surgical history, other medical issues, and complications that may arise during pregnancy may also make a client too high risk to plan a home birth with a licensed midwife. Our major goal is to maintain safe care. For some families, the hospital is a safer choice for care.

What area do you serve?

My office is located in Irmo, SC. I attend home births within an hour and a half of my home in the Redbank area; this includes the majority of the SC Midlands and the CSRA.

Is home birth safe with a midwife?

Research indicates that home births attended by trained and qualified healthcare professionals, such as Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) and Licensed Midwives (LMs/LMWs), can be a safe option for low-risk pregnancies. Midwives are trained to recognize and manage complications and to transfer care to a hospital if necessary. However, it's essential to have a thorough talk with your midwife about your specific health situation and risk factors before deciding to pursue a home birth.

Does insurance cover home births?

Insurance coverage for home births varies widely depending on your location, insurance provider, and specific policy. Some insurance plans may cover a portion of midwifery care and home births, while others may not. It's recommended that you contact your insurance company to ask about coverage and potential reimbursement. With Little Orchids, all expected payments must be paid in full prior to the birth. We are in network with United Healthcare plans. If you have a different insurance, we are happy to provide you with a super bill after the birth if you choose to seek reimbursement on your own.

What is a Doula?

A doula provides non-medical support to a woman during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. Although a doula is not a medical provider, she can be a great resource for education, emotional support, and comfort techniques during labor.

How can a doula help me?

The type of support given can vary greatly depending on the client's personality and individual desires and needs. In pregnancy and labor, this support may include educational information, hands-on support like massage and hip squeezes, emotional support, and a listening ear for whatever you need. Postpartum, this support can consist of meal planning, infant care, teaching infant care, light housework, and basic breastfeeding support.

Are there any known benefits of hiring a doula, even if I already have a midwife?

Multiple studies show that non-medical support, such as a doula, can have positive effects on labor and delivery. Ultimately, the doula is not responsible for any birth outcomes. Some potential benefits that have been documented include shorter labor, fewer interventions, less need for pain medications, and a higher rate of reflecting on the birth as a positive experience. If you would like more documented benefits, please check the lists here.