More About Our
Midwifery Services
We are trained and specialize in providing preconception counseling, prenatal care, delivery in the out-of-hospital setting and 6 weeks of postpartum care for low-risk pregnant people.
Preconception Counseling:
2 hour education and coaching session with lead midwife Atoosa Benji focusing on fertility education and optimizing your wellbeing through nutrition, supplementation, stress reduction, and behavior modification.
Initial Intake Visit:
2 hour intake visit reviewing your birth vision, ensuring understanding of the midwifery model of care and scope of practice of Licensed Midwives in California, medical history, previous birth history, and psycho-social history, perinatal mood and anxiety disorder screening and referrals, lab tests, genetic testing, and referral for ultrasound and collaboration with MD, as needed.
60-90 minute Prenatal Visits:
Assessment of the physical, mental and emotional health of the birthing person. This includes review of diet, exercise and lifestyle. Assessment of the health of the fetus through palpation, measurement and auscultation. Blood tests, ultrasound and diagnostic fetal testing, as recommended.
Prenatal Visit Schedule:
- Monthly until 28 weeks of pregnancy:
- Every 2 weeks from 28-36 weeks
- Weekly from 36-40 weeks
- 2-3 times per week after 40 weeks.
*We are on-call for your birth 24/7 from term pregnancy 37-42 weeks
The Birthday:
- A team of 2-3 birth professionals (minimum 1 Licensed Midwife plus 1-2 birth assistants who may also be midwives)
- Monitoring the health of the baby and the birthing person throughout active labor, as required by the CA Medical Board protocols
- Positioning recommendations to help optimize fetal positioning and comfort of the mother.
- “Catching the baby” – YOU deliver the baby, we catch!
- Immediate newborn and postpartum care
- Newborn Assessment and Newborn Exam
- 1 midwife from the team will stay with you for a minimum of 4 hours after the birth of the baby to assure fetal and maternal well-being.
Postpartum Care:
Assessment of the physical and emotional wellbeing of the birthing person. This includes offering lab tests and/or referrals as needed.
Newborn Care:
- CA Newborn screen blood draw
- Screening for congenital heart defects for the newborn, assessment of jaundice, monitoring newborn weight gain
- Lactation support and education
Postpartum Care Schedule:
- 24-48 hours after delivery
- Day 5 after delivery
- Week 3
- Week 6
- Other visits will always be accommodated as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a Licensed Midwife, and what is their scope of practice?
A Licensed Midwife (LM) in California provides comprehensive pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care, similar to an obstetrician (OB), but with a focus on low-risk pregnancies. Services include prenatal care, labor support, birth services, and postpartum care. This includes routine exams, screenings, lab work, and fetal monitoring, similar to the care provided by an OB. However, midwives do not perform cesarean sections or instrumental deliveries (forceps or vacuum).
2. What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife?
While both doulas and midwives support the birthing person, their roles are distinct:
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A doula offers emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Doulas do not provide medical care but focus on comfort and emotional well-being.
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A midwife is a licensed healthcare provider who offers medical care during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Midwives perform physical exams, prescribe medications, monitor fetal heart rates, and manage complications such as hemorrhages. Unlike doulas, midwives manage labor and delivery and provide medical interventions when necessary.
3. Do you accept insurance?
Direct insurance is not accepted, but a super bill can be provided for submission to insurance providers for reimbursement. Coverage varies, so it is recommended to contact the insurance provider to confirm if midwifery services are eligible for reimbursement.
4. What medications do you carry?
A Licensed Midwife carries a variety of medications and medical supplies to support a safe birth at home or in a birth center. These include:
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Oxytocin (Pitocin) for postpartum hemorrhage prevention and management
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Vitamin K for newborns to prevent bleeding disorders
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Erythromycin eye ointment for newborn eye infection prevention
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Antibiotics for IV administration to prevent infection during labor if necessary
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Several other types of anti-hemorrhagic medications for managing postpartum hemorrhage
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IV fluids for hydration during pregnancy, labor or postpartum
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Anti-nausea medications for nausea or vomiting during labor
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Lidocaine for local anesthesia during suturing
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Necessary medical equipment is also carried, including sterile supplies, suturing tools, oxygen, and equipment for monitoring fetal heart rate.
5. What types of births are supported?
The focus is on low-risk births, with comprehensive care provided for healthy pregnancies. Support is offered for:
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- Home births: Personalized care in the comfort of home.
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Birth center births: A supportive birth environment with access to medical equipment if needed.
The same level of prenatal care as an OB is provided, with the ability to manage labor and delivery. However, cesarean sections or instrumental deliveries are not performed. The goal is to focus on natural, low-risk births while being prepared to handle complications when necessary.
6. Can IV fluids or medications be administered?
Yes, as part of care, IV fluids and medications can be administered when needed, including fluids for hydration and medications to manage complications such as postpartum hemorrhage.
7. Is the fetal heart rate monitored?
Fetal heart rate is routinely monitored during labor using ACOG protocols with a Doppler to ensure that the baby is doing well throughout the birth process.
8. Can hemorrhages be managed?
Yes, Licensed Midwives are trained to manage postpartum hemorrhages, which can be a complication during birth. Medications and equipment necessary to prevent or control hemorrhages are carried in case of an emergency.
9. Can babies be resuscitated?
Midwives are trained in neonatal resuscitation and carry the necessary equipment to resuscitate newborns if needed. Midwives are fully prepared to handle many emergencies that may arise during labor and delivery.
10. How many people are on the team during birth?
Typically, 2-3 licensed midwives or 1-2 licensed midwives and a skilled birth assistant are present during the birth. The number of team members may vary depending on the specific needs of the birth, but a dedicated and experienced team is always available to support the birthing person.
11. How is a transfer to a hospital handled if necessary?
Collaboration with several obstetricians (OBs) ensures smooth transfer to a hospital if complications arise during labor or delivery. In the event of a transfer, care is coordinated with trusted OBs to ensure the best care possible for both the birthing person and baby.
12. What makes midwifery care ideal for low-risk births?
Midwifery care specializes in low-risk pregnancies, offering the same level of prenatal care as an OB. Midwives are equipped to manage labor and birth and can perform interventions when necessary. The focus is on supporting families through safe, informed decisions while honoring the natural process of birth. The goal is to ensure that each birth is safe, empowered, and aligned with the birthing person’s personal preferences.
13. Can a Licensed Midwife provide routine annual care, including Pap smears?
Yes, a Licensed Midwife can provide routine annual care, including Pap smears, breast exams, and other basic gynecological services. Midwives also offer screenings, health counseling, and support for a variety of reproductive health needs.
For More Information Regarding California Midwifery Scope of Practice:
https://www.mbc.ca.gov/Licensing/Licensed-Midwives/Practice-Information/
https://www.mbc.ca.gov/Licensing/Licensed-Midwives/Practice-Information/