HOME BIRTH

What to expect in my care

I am a full service provider. This means that I am your primary provider for prenatal care (though I refer out for things like ultrasounds), I monitor and support you through the labor and delivery process, I complete a full newborn exam, and I continue to care for your family through the first 6 weeks postpartum. I also file birth certificates with the state health department and can do the baby’s metabolic screen (the “heel stick” test) if you wish.

You can expect to see me regularly through your pregnancy; I see clients on roughly the same schedule an OB typically would. You’ll see me every 4 weeks until you’ve reached 28-30 weeks, then every 2 weeks until your home visit (at 36-37 weeks), then weekly until delivery. Postpartum I return to your home 24-36 hours after the birth to check on you and baby, and I either come back to your home or have a virtual visit at 3-4 days postpartum. Additional visits are available if you need more support, and you’ll return for an in-office postpartum visit at 2-3 weeks and at 5-6 weeks postpartum.

I am an independent practitioner. In SC and in many states, Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) and Licensed Midwives (LMs/LMWs) do not practice under the supervision of a doctor. I can order labs you need, complete all standard newborn testing (except for the hearing screen), and can make referrals to other providers if needed. I am not a nurse; CPMs are not Nurse Midwives, and I do not have hospital privileges. I am also not a physician. If a higher level of care becomes necessary due to complications, then you will be transferred to hospital providers. In many cases, I may still be able to support you in the hospital as a doula. In the state of South Carolina, clients are required to see a physician or CNM twice during the course of your care. We’ll talk more about that during your care. The state of Georgia does not currently license non-nurse midwives.

I maintain a small practice! I do limit the number of due dates that I accept each month. I work with a small team, and I also bring a birth assistant for labor. My current preference is to book a maximum of three clients due each month to ensure that each of our clients get the individual care and attention that they deserve.