top of page

What is a Community Midwife?

A Community Midwife is a trained provider specialized in normal pregnancy and birth, who provides comprehensive pregnancy, birth and postpartum care in the community or out-of-hospital setting. Community Midwives work with low-risk, healthy individuals. As a Licensed Midwife (LM) and active member of the Minnesota Council of Certified Professional Midwives (MCCPM), I practice midwifery within the scope of practice outlined by state guidelines. Community midwifery services can take place in an independent clinic, at home on your couch, at your midwife's office or even in your car!. I currently see families in person at my shared office space (1854 Grand Ave. St. Paul), at your home and through virtual visits.

​

​

Why Community Midwifery Care?

​

I believe the medical model approach to fertility, pregnancy and birth often comes from an assumption of ill health, and does not meet the needs of many individuals. Whether you have been labeled an elderly gravida, are a single parent by choice, transgender parents, queer families, larger bodied individuals or non-traditional families that do not fit neatly into a societal box, I see you as an empowered being ready to create a family. Community midwifery care can be a great option for those wanting more autonomy over their health and their bodies, shared decision making power, evidence-based resources and individualized, unrushed health care. Since care takes place outside of the institution, you can involve your desired support team - whether family, friends, children - to be part of this incredible, sometimes messy, totally mind blowing journey. 

​

​

Who Choses Community Midwifery Care?

​

“Older” parents, larger bodied individuals, transgender parents, queer families, single parents, non-traditional families, individuals whose needs aren’t being met by mainstream approach, and everyone in need of respectful perinatal healthcare and birth attendence.

​

  • People over 35
  • BMI over 35-40
  • First pregnancy
  • GBS positive
  • Complications in prior pregnancy like hemorrhage, preterm birth, vacuum delivery
  • Diabetes +
    Insulin dependent gestational diabetes 
  • Active heart, liver, kidney issues
  • Hypertension
  • Systemic lupus
  • Piror T-incision cesearean
  • Baby with congenital anomalies
  • Preterm birth (<36 wks)
  • Placenta previa
  • Choleostasis
  • Hemoglobin < 9
  • VBAC
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Breech

QUICK GUIDE TO WHO MAY HAVE A HOME BIRTH?

YES

MAYBE

NO

*This list is not an exhaustive. Please reference scope of practice + transfer guidelines.

Is Community Midwifery and Home Birth for Everyone?

​

No, it isn't for everyone. Some people feel more comfortable in a hospital setting, and that is ok too! I love supporting families no matter their chosen location of birth. If you plan to birth in the hospital, but would like the support and holistic care of a homebirth midwife, see my services page for prenatal/postpartum support only, as well as my doula services.

​

What happens when a higher level of care is needed?

 

Sometimes in pregnancy and birth, we need additional support and tools that can only be provided in the hospital. 10% of people planning a homebirth here in the U.S. require a higher level of care. During our prenatal visists, we create a detailed medical consult and transport plan, in the event concerns arise during pregnancy, labor or birth.  If concerns arise during pregnancy, we consult with other care providers (CNMs, OBs, perinatologists) to gather information to help you decide the best location for birth. If together we decide that hospital support is needed, I prefer to transfer into the care of nurse midwifery teams to keep families within the midwifery model of care. Sometimes these concerns require the care of OBs, and we welcome that too when needed! If a higher level of care is needed during labor, birth or the immediate postpartum, I help facilitate the transfer by calling ahead, giving a detailed update to the receiving providers and staying with you at the hospital until both the parent and baby are stable. If all is normal is the postpartum, families can transfer back into my practice for our regularly scheduled postpartum care.

bottom of page