Frequently Asked Questions


What Is a Midwife?

A licensed midwife in California is a trained health care specialist that provides knowledgable, respectful and compassionate care. We specialize in evidence based care for healthy, low risk pregnancy and birth. As such, we offer education and preventative care to help keep a pregnancy healthy identifying and guiding you if risk factors come up.

If something comes up that isn’t quite normal, we consult with a physician or a maternal fetal medicine specialist and collaborate with them to manage your care. In rare cases, we may refer you to be cared for by physicians (or to a hospital) if we feel it is in the best interest of you or your baby.

In addition to prenatal care and childbirth, midwives also provide general reproductive health care. This includes preconception, annual exams, preventive care, and contraception counseling.

The evidence shows that midwifery is associated with improved quality of care along with reductions in maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide. We believe all people have a right to high quality perinatal and newborn care that is centered in trust, respect and dignity.

What Makes Midwifery Care Unique?

Midwives typically spend an hour or more with you for your prenatal, postpartum or well person care. Each visit allots time for not only the normal vitals and physical examination, but also counseling, education and support. We are strong advocates for informed decision-making and will ensure you have what you need to make the best decisions for your care. Midwives also provide continuous care and are on call throughout your pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience increasing your confidence and trust in yourself.

Do I Need a Doctor to Deliver My Baby or to be a part of my care?

Midwives are licensed independent medical providers and do not require physician supervision. We are trained to identify issues as they arise and treat or refer as needed or necessary. A physician does not need to be a part of your pregnancy, birth or postpartum care unless risk factors change. In that case, we will work collaboratively with a physician (or hospital) to provide a referral or safe transition of care.

What Kind of Training Do Midwives Receive?

Licensed midwives receive an education from a MEAC accredited school https://www.meacschools.org in addition to years of clinical training with another licensed midwife (or team of midwives) followed by a board examination. We are then licensed by the Medical Board of California.

Can Midwives Order the Same Tests as Doctors?

Midwives provide the same prenatal testing, genetic screening, lab tests and ultrasounds as doctors. We can also provide Pap smears, contraceptive counseling, hormone health as well as administer medications that are included in our scope of practice. Of course, all of these are offered with education and information that allows you to make the best decisions for yourself and your growing family.

What are the benefits of a home birth?

A midwife attended home birth is a safe option for low risk pregnancies and births. Benefits can include:

  • Greater autonomy and control - being in your own space allows you to set the environment which can allow for a gentler, calmer birth process

  • Freedom of movement is encouraged and is supported. Changing positions often can help with the shortening of labor and helps the baby descend. Any monitoring that needs to be done will work around you (not the other way around). A birthing tub and birthing stool are provided.

  • Reduced risk of interventions - Home births are associated with lower rates of induction, forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery as well as cesarean births.

  • Faster physical recovery - without anesthesia or surgical birth, recovery is typically much quicker.

  • Lower infection risk - being at home reduces the exposure to hospital -acquired infections

  • Personalized Care - midwives provide continuous individualized care and support. This is not possible in a hospital setting.

  • Family Involvement - Siblings, partners, pets and any other desired family members are able to be present which fosters immediate family bonding and often improves the feeling of support and ease of family transition.

  • Skin to skin for baby and parents - midwives prioritize uninterrupted skin to skin contact which can benefit lactation, the family transition and bonding as well as help the newborn learn to regulate their temperature, heart rate and exposure to the familial micro-biome.

Can I See a Midwife if I’m Not Pregnant?

Yes! Midwifery involves helping you make informed choices about your care and educating you on your options. A midwife can help with:

  • Lactation education and support

  • Fertility and preconception counseling

  • Issues related to your menstrual cycle, including irregular, heavy, or uncomfortable periods.

  • Gynecological care (Pap smears, breast examinations, lab tests)

  • Decisions about birth control, including the pros and cons of different birth control methods.

  • STD testing.

  • Evaluating your personal health risks and working with you on health prevention strategies.