Midwives are trained healthcare professionals (licensed by the Medical Board of California) who provide care for all stages of a woman's reproductive life. Most often the focus is on pregnancy, labor and delivery, and throughout the postpartum period. Midwives often begin working with a family in the preconception period, as well. Midwives are trained to recognize complications during pregnancy, labor and childbirth, and specializing in normal pregnancy, provide holistic healthcare to help pull things back to norm if they stray. We also collaborate closely with obstetricians and perinatologists, or other specialists if necessary. Often, through healthy lifestyle, education and personal choices, midwives can help prevent and improve conditions that often accompany pregnancy. Midwives also provide annual exams, labs/paps, and ongoing holistic healthcare,

A midwife is a healthcare professional who has been trained to serve women through all the stages of a woman's reproductive cycle, including assisting women through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They are also able to provide care for the newborn baby following the delivery, and the first few weeks of life.

A Birth Doula is professional birth worker, who has been trained to provide educational, emotional and physical support to the mother before, during, and after labor. They are not medically trained, but they understand the labor process, and offer professional guidance and support throughout labor.

A Midwife and a Birth Doula have completely different roles. A Midwife is there to provide the medical aspect of care, and while we do help with position changes, comfort measures and encouragement during labor, it is not the same as having a Birth Doula, who is there, dedicated to providing the hands-on physical support, massage, verbal encouragement and helping with distractions through each contraction. Doulas help support both you and your partner, and help prevent "Partner Fatigue." Providing that type of support is a demanding job, and your Midwife, while she will be there supporting you, making suggestions as needed, and overseeing the labor and birthing process, she cannot be so tired from serving as a Doula, that when it's time to make medically-minded decisions, that she is worn out and not as sharp as needed.

Some insurance plans do cover the cost of midwives, while others do not. It is important to check with your insurance company to see if they cover this service. If they do not, you may be able to find a midwife who is willing to work with you on a sliding scale basis or through other payment options.