“What to Expect from Midwifery Care”: A Real-World Guide to Prenatal, Birth, and Postpartum Support

What midwifery care actually looks like, from start to finish

If you’ve never worked with a midwife before, you might not know what to expect—and that’s completely normal.The truth is, midwifery care is different. Not just in how it’s delivered, but in what it centers. Your voice. Your intuition. Your values.

As a licensed midwife with over 20 years of experience serving families in Miami-Dadeand Broward County, I offer care that is personal, holistic, and rooted in equity and informed consent. Here’s a look at what our time together might look like—before, during, and after your birth.

Prenatal Care with a Midwife

Most families begin care between 7–10 weeks of pregnancy, but you can reach out earlier or later depending on your needs.

In your prenatal visits, we’ll cover all the essentials:

• Monitoring your blood pressure, heart rate, and the baby’s growth

• Listening to the baby’s heartbeat

• Reviewing labs, ultrasounds (if you choose to do them), and wellness markers

• Checking in on your nutrition, rest, and emotional well being

But we’ll also do something you might not get in a 10-minute OB appointment:We’ll slow down. We’ll talk. We’ll build a relationship.

We’ll discuss your goals for this pregnancy and birth. We’ll process fears. We’ll talk about power and consent. We’ll make a plan that reflects you, not just what a chart says.

“You’re not a checklist. You’re a whole person.” [Mary’s note: I remind my clients of this often.]

Birth Support: What Happens on the Big Day

When you go into labor, I’ll join you at home once active labor is underway and stay with you through the birth and immediate postpartum.

During your labor and birth, I provide:

• Continuous monitoring of vital signs (you and baby)

• Gentle guidance and reassurance

• Clinical decision-making rooted in informed consent

• Hands-on support with positioning, movement, and comfort

You can labor in water, walk around your home, snack, laugh, cry, or stay quiet.You are not confined. You are supported.

After the birth, I stay to:

• Monitor your recovery

• Support initial feeding

• Perform newborn exams

• Help you settle in and clean up your space

“I don’t deliver your baby—you do. I catch the baby or assist you or your partner/ family member to catch the baby. I hold the space. I protect the moment.”

Postpartum Care That Comes to You

One of the most loved parts of midwifery care is what happens after the birth: I come to you.

I’ll visit multiple times over the first six weeks to:

• Check your physical recovery

• Support emotional well being

• Assess your baby’s growth and feeding

• Offer guidance on sleep, healing, and connection

• Help you feel seen and supported, not forgotten

Postpartum isn’t just a medical phase—it’s a tender, transformative time. I’m here to help you navigate it with confidence and care.

Myth-Busting: What Midwives Actually Do

Let’s clear up a few things I often hear:

• Do midwives use ultrasounds? Yes—if you want one. I refer out for diagnostic imaging.

• Do you “let” me do XYZ? It’s not about permission. It’s about options. You choose.

• Is home birth safe? For healthy pregnancies with a trained midwife, yes. I have emergency protocols and transfer plans in place if needed.

• Do I need a doula too? You might love having one! Doulas can be a vital member of the birth team. Midwives provide clinical care. Doulas provide emotional/physical support only. Many clients choose both. I always say “The doula is the DJ and the midwife is the party planner”

Experience the Midwifery Difference

Ready to experience care that centers you as a whole person? I'm currently accepting new clients for 2026 births in Miami and Broward County.

My comprehensive midwifery care includes:

• 10-12 prenatal visits (60 minute initial appt followed by 30 min appts or longer if needed)

• 24/7 on-call support 

• Continuous labor and birth support at your home

• Immediate postpartum care (3-4 hours)

• 4 postpartum home visits over 6 weeks

• Breastfeeding/feeding support

• Newborn care and screening

Every family begins with a free consultation where we can discuss your goals, answer your questions, and see if we're a good fit. No pressure—just honest conversation about your options.

Call 305-215-8763 to schedule your free consultation

FAQ Section:

Frequently Asked Questions About Midwifery Care

Q: How is midwifery care different from seeing an OB? 

A: The main differences are time, approach, and setting. Midwifery visits are typically 30-60 minutes (vs. 10-15 minutes with most OBs), focus on education and shared decision-making, and include comprehensive postpartum care at your home.

Q: Do midwives handle medical emergencies? 

A: Yes, I'm trained in emergency care including neonatal resuscitation, hemorrhage management, and other complications. I also have clear protocols for when hospital transfer is necessary and work collaboratively with backup physicians.

Q: Can I see my regular doctor too? 

A: Many families choose midwifery care as their primary prenatal care, but some prefer collaborative care. We can discuss what approach feels right for you and your specific situation.

Q: What if I need an ultrasound or special testing? 

A: I refer to trusted providers for ultrasounds and any specialized testing you choose to do. Lab work is usually completed in the office. I'll help you understand your options and support whatever decisions you make.

Q: Do you accept insurance? 

A: I do take any insurance that is willing to pay me. Some insurances don’t pay and some only pay out of network. I have a billing person that handles the authorizations and claim submissions. If your insurance pays in network, you will be responsible for your deductible and copay. That amount varies per insurance and specific policy.

Q: What happens if I go into labor before 37 weeks? 

A: In Florida, birth at home occurs between 37-42 weeks. If you go into preterm labor, I'll assess the situation and assist with a smooth transfer to hospital care for the safety of both you and baby. Your well being always comes first, and I'll support you through any changes to the birth plan.