What is a Midwife?
Midwives provide modern medical care and take the place of physicians in the birth room. Midwives are specifically trained in natural & modern birth techniques including herbs and use pharmacology when necessary. Services include comprehensive prenatal care (before birth) and postpartum care (after birth), blood draws for laboratory testing, homebirth, waterbirth, gynecological care, family planning options, and preconception counseling. Midwives are not only the primary medical care provider, but also offer, emotional, and social support for childbearing women & families.
I am a certified professional midwife through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). This certification requires several years of academic study, alongside thousands of hours of clinical experience. I provide care primarily in the office & home. Births are attended at home or in a birth center. I am able to provide all the support needed for a healthy pregnancy unless there is a complex circumstance that requires specialized care. I am holistic in my approach and tailor midwifery care to each individual woman's needs.
What is a Doula?
A doula is a professional childbirth educator providing emotional, physical, and educational support to women during labor and pre/postnatal (before or after birth). Doulas are not medically trained, but can be an invaluable structure of support. Doulas sole purpose is to advocate for the mother and help the family during this vulnerable time of transition. Midwives can also play a similar role as a Doula, however it can be invaluable to have both as a support.