The Midwives Model of Care is a fundamentally different approach to childbirth. The Midwives Model is based on the fact that pregnancy and birth are normal, healthy events in a woman’s life. It recognizes that women have the right to seek care that is safe and addresses individual needs. Midwifery care emphasizes education providing women with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health care. It has been proven that this model of care results in less complications, fewer interventions, and healthier births for mothers and babies. Midwives have been attending women during pregnancy and birth since the beginning of time. Traditionally, the midwife was another mother within the community who not only tended to childbirth, but also tended to all aspects of health care. One of the most significant aspects of midwifery care is the relationship that forms between the mother and midwife. All visits are at least a 1/2 hour long providing you with time to discuss your questions, concerns and desires. Your children and family are an integral part of your life and they are encouraged and welcome to be at your visits to ask their own questions and to witness the miracle of your baby's growth. Your first two appointments will include a medical history, a physical exam, and a nutritional analysis. These first two visits are thorough and usually take 1 hour each. All future prenatal exams will last 30-45 minutes and includes checking your blood pressure, urinalysis, fundal height measurement (measuring the growth of your baby), gently feeling your baby's position through your tummy, and listening to your baby's heartbeat. Your prenatal care will be monthly until 28 weeks of pregnancy, then every two weeks until 36th week (the midwife comes to your home for this visit if you're planning a homebirth) followed by weekly visits until your baby is born. Having a baby is a very special time in a family's life and Placenta Tree Midwifery feels privileged to be a part of this special event! If you think you are in labor, you should call your Midwife. It doesn't matter if it's late at night or if you're not sure if you're really in labor. You and your Midwife will decide together when you'll come into the Birth Center or when she will join your at your home. Once you're in active labor she remains with you, providing support and assessing you and your baby throughout labor until a few hours after the birth. During your labor your Midwife can be as involved as you need her to be. She can actively provide support, encouragement and guidance. Or, if you prefer to labor alone with your husband/partner or Doula she will provide you with as much privacy as possible. Of course she will make sure that you and your baby are doing well throughout labor by quietly listening to your baby's heartbeat and assessing your vital signs at regular intervals. All interventions are kept to a minimum when possible. Birth is a normal process and it works best when not interfered with. Cervical checks are kept to a minimum, IV's are not routine, and you are supported in listening to your body during labor, taking whatever positions you find most comfortable. Your Midwife will encourage you to walk around, eat and drink, use the shower or tub if desired, and generally do what works best for you during your labor. You can rest assured that interventions will only be done when needed and with your consent. If a hospital birth becomes necessary your Midwife will remain with you as your doula (even if you have your own) providing support, comfort, and information to assist you in making important decisions. When it's time for your baby to be born your Midwife will encourage you to follow your body for pushing. Changing positions during this time in labor is often helpful and she may suggest positions if needed. When your baby is being born you or your husband/partner may receive (deliver/catch) the baby if you chose. Your baby will be assessed in your arms. After the cord stops pulsing it can be cut by whomever you choose, some times we wait 1hour after the baby is born to cut the cord. Most often Dads or siblings get this honor. Each mother, baby, and family is unique and special and so is each birth experience! After your baby is born your birth team, which consists of your Midwife and assistant, will remain with you for the first several hours until you and your baby have eaten. If you've given birth at a Birth Center you will go home approximately 4-6 hours after the birth. If you've had your baby at home, your team is with you at home for 3-6 hours or until Mom, baby, and family are ready to be on their own. During those first few hours the Midwife and Midwife's Assistant will be assessing you and your baby for continued health and the Midwife will complete a full physical exam on your baby. Footprints are done on a decorative, framable birth certificate for your personal keepsake. Vitamin K and erythromycin eye ointment are available for your baby if you desire. It is recommended that you have a Pediatrician available to see your baby within 48 hours of the birth. We will contact your chosen pediatrician after the birth to let them know that your baby has been born and fax the birth records to them. You will schedule your baby's visit with the pediatrician at your convenience. We will visit 24-48 hrs after the birth to ensure that all is well with you and your baby, to assist you with breastfeeding if needed, and to answer any questions that you may have. During this visit you will sign the birth certificate and we'll collect a small sample of blood from your baby's heel for the Infant Metabolic Screening (PKU) that is required by the State of Florida. You will come back to the office again at 2-3 weeks postpartum. Usually by 2 weeks breastfeeding is going well and your baby is back to his or her birth weight (babies can often lose 10% of their birth weight in the first week). Your six-week postpartum visit is the last of our visits together surrounding this pregnancy. You will receive a physical exam and can discuss your birth experience and your family planning options. Midwives Model of Care What Lab Tests Are Offered?
What happens when I go into labor?
What Happens After the Baby is Born?
The Midwives Model of Care is based on the fact that pregnancy and birth are normal life processes.The Midwives Model of Care includes:
The application of this woman-centered model of care has been proven to reduce the incidence of birth injury, trauma, and cesarean section.
Copyright © 1996-2007, Midwifery Task Force, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
mid.wife (mid’ w ` i f ) a woman who assists other women in childbirth
Midwifery care is complete care for women who can expect a normal pregnancy and birth, , postpartum care and support for women with risks, normal neonatal care, breastfeeding support, and normal gynecological care.
As midwives, they practice under the Florida Statute 467. They are fully trained in a three-year program, licensed by the state, and carry malpractice insurance as required by the law.
The Midwife will most likely take another Liscense Midwife and a student with her to the birth.
"A woman
in harmony
with her spirit
is like
a river flowing.
She goes
where she will
without pretense
and arrives
at her destination,
prepared
to be herself
and
only
herself."
~~~Maya Angelou
Everyone is familiar with the idea of giving birth in the hospital with an obstetrician. Some women are choosing to give birth with a nurse midwife, but a growing number of women are choosing to give birth with a licensed midwife.
The State of Florida has licensed midwives since 1931. In 1982 and 1992, the Midwifery Practice Act was updated. The requirements to become licensed and practice in the state of Florida became stricter. To become licensed, the student enters a three year intensive program of study and hands on experience. This program meets the core competencies established by the American College of Nurse Midwives and the Midwives Alliance of North America. During the training program a student must be involved in the care of women who are pregnant, giving birth, and postpartum. This requirement is met by the student working closely with a midwife who has been licensed for at least three years. The student must also attend at least 75 births during the course of the three year training program. After the three year program is completed, the student must submit the paperwork to the state of Florida that proves that all the requirements have been met. The student must also take and pass the North American Registry of Midwives national certification exam for state licensure.
Licensed Midwives are independent practitioners that provide care for women with normal, low-risk pregnancies. They provide care in a number of settings including the client’s home or a birth center. Licensed Midwives may also provide care for women whose pregnancies require medical supervision in collaboration with a physician. Licensed Midwives are eligible for reimbursement from insurance companies and Medicaid. Licensed Midwives also work with the mothers who have no insurance to develop a payment plan that works for the mother.
Women in Florida are learning that pregnancy and childbirth is a normal, healthy process, not a disease. They are discovering that they and their families can benefit from the care of a Licensed Midwife. Women are discovering that the hospital is not the only option for a safe birth. Many women find that they feel most comfortable at home or in a birth center, attended by a midwife trained in gentle, natural, safe childbirth-someone who is trained in normal birth and provides the Midwives Model of Care.
Pregnancy and childbirth involve every part of you. Feelings, hopes, fears, physical and practical needs, and spiritual or religious beliefs can all affect your pregnancy and birth. A midwife providing the Midwives Model of Care addresses all of these aspects to help you give birth naturally, safely and confidently. In addition, women who experience this type of care report feelings of great satisfaction and empowerment.
Excerpts from Intro to Florida Licensed Midwifery and CFM, Midwives Model of Care
Natural home childbirth is a safe and reasonable alternative to giving birth in a hospital.
Natural Home Birth Without the stresses generally associated with physician-attended births (unfamiliar people and environment, hospital schedules and policies, bright unnatural lighting, unknown tests, etc.), you are able to relax into your labor.
In a warm, familiar environment, you are able to give yourself the gift of space: for your body's rhythm to take its natural course, to discover strength within yourself, and, most importantly, to love your baby.
Just as each woman's dream childbirth is different, each natural home childbirth story is different. It is the role of a midwife to help each dream come true, within the parameters set by the baby's unique journey into the world. The midwife is a guide, mentor, educator, and professional dedicated to the most modern techniques to guard the safety of mother and baby.
For women with low-risk pregnancies, natural homebirth with a qualified midwife is as safe as hospital births. In fact, reducing stress and elevating comfort and joy has been shown to reduce pain and the need for unnecessary procedures, which can lead to other complications.
SOME MIDWIVES AROUND:
Corina Fitch, LM, CPM, RN
Bellymama Midwifery
315 NW 51st Street
Miami, FL 33127
Phone: 1-305-308-5900
Fax: 1-305-677-9097
Website: www.bellymamamidwifery.com
Offering : Home Birth, VBAC, Water birth
Accepts Medicaid: Yes
Accepting New Clients: Yes
Languages: English & Spanish
Hours: By appointment only
VBAC: Yes
Counties Served: Dade, Broward
Sheila Simms Watson, LM, CPM
Spirit of Life Midwifery
17304 Walker Avenue #116
Miami, FL 33157
Phone: 1-786-287-0484
Fax: 1-305-235-6688
Website: www.spiritoflifemidwifery.com
Offering: Home Birth Only
Accepts Medicaid : Yes
Accepting new Clients : Yes
Languages: English, limited Spanish
Hours - Tues, Wed, Thurs 10-6pm (by appointment
VBAC: Yes
Counties Served: Broward, Dade, Monroe
Mary Harris, LM, CPM
A Loving Start
3001 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd #200
Phone: 1-305 865-7927 / 1-954-456-0850
Fax: 1-305-397-2621
Web: www.alovingstart.com
Offering: Home Birth,
Accepts Medicaid: Yes
Accepting New Clients: Yes
Languages: English
Hours: By Appointment
VBAC: Yes
Counties Served: Dade, Broward,
Adriana Algieri, LM
Loving Hands
South
Phone:
Fax: 1-954-921-4161
Website: www.lovinghandsmidwife.com
Offering : Home Birth
Accepts Medicaid: Yes
Accepting New Clients: Yes
Languages: English & Spanish
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm
VBAC: Yes
Counties Served: Dade, Broward and
Janice Heller, AP, LM
Conscious Childbirth
Cooper City, FL 33026
Phone: 1-954-922-2100
Fax: 1-954-430-3543
Website: www.JaniceHeller.com
Offering: Home Birth
Accepts Medicaid: Yes
Accepting New Clients: Yes
Languages: English, Spanish, French
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
VBAC: Yes
Counties Served: Dade, Broward,
Jennifer Mitchell, LM
A Woman's Way Midwifery Services
601 North 64th Avenue
Hollywood,
Phone: 1 -954-260-5730
Fax 1-954-966-4900
Web: N/A
Offering: Home Birth & Birth Center
Accepts Medicaid: and many other Insurances
Accepts New Clients:
Languages: English
Hours: By Appointment
VBAC: Yes
Counties: Broward (South) and Dade (North)
Daymarys Del Castillo, LM, CPM
M.O.M. Maternity Center
308 West 84 street suite 114
hialeah, Fl
Phone: 305-828-4173
Offering: Home Birth, Birth Center Birth
Accepts Medicaid: and many other Insurances
Accepts New Clients: Yes
Languages: English & Spanish
Hours: By Appointment
VBAC: Yes
