Mary Harris is a Licensed Midwife, practicing midwifery in the South Florida area, assisting women giving birth at home or in a birth center.
I provide continuity of care throughout your pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum. Quality time is spent with each client, individualizing the care plan to your cultural, ethnic, family and lifestyle needs while supporting a normal, healthy pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. Midwives are often described as the caretakers or experts of normal pregnancy and birth.
I emphasize informed consent and choice during every aspect of your care. A lot of educational materials are given so that you can make choices that are appropriate for you, your child and your family.
I also provide preconceptual counseling and, with a referral from a physician, limited gynecological services.
I offer a free initial visit to learn more about my practice and about midwifery.
I accept private pay clients and all health insurances, including Medicaid.
More Women are Choosing a Licensed Midwife
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
HOW TO CONTACT ME
I can be reached twenty four hours a day, seven days a week at:
