Frequently Asked Questions

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Most Often Asked Questions and Answers about our Midwifery Practice and Philosophies:

 

1. What is a Certified Nurse Midwife?

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A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is an advanced practice nurse trained in both nursing and midwifery. CNMs provide evidence-based care for women throughout pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and across the lifespan, including gynecologic and primary care.

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CNMs practice in hospitals, birth centers, and home birth settings and work collaboratively within the healthcare system when consultation or referral is needed. Certification is through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), and practice follows national midwifery standards. You can go to the ACNM website to learn more about the organization. (http://www.midwife.org/)

 

2. You practiced in home birth and hospitals. Why are you now focused on birth counseling?

After decades of attending births in home, birth center, and hospital settings—including leadership roles—I now focus on specialized birth counseling.

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Birth counseling allows me to support individuals before, during, and after pregnancy in a way that standard prenatal care often cannot due to time constraints. My goal is to help clients feel informed, empowered, and emotionally supported—especially in a maternity care system with rising maternal health challenges.

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3. Can you support me if I'm planning a cesarean birth? 

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Yes. Birth counseling is valuable for planned or unexpected Cesarean deliveries.

We can discuss your goals, explore options for a Gentle Cesarean, skin-to-skin and honoring the Golden Hour and prepare when medically appropriate. Counseling helps you feel emotionally prepared and supported, regardless of how your baby is born.

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4. I am over 40, used IVF or IUI, or have medical risk factors. Can I do birth or post-partum counseling with you?  

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Absolutely. Birth and postpartum counseling is appropriate for individuals with high-risk pregnancies, fertility treatment histories, or medical complexities.

I review medical records and work with you to support both your emotional well-being and informed decision-making.

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5. Do I need to have met you prior to my birth in order to benefit from your postpartum counseling services?

 

No, I have counseled women during the post-partum period without having met them prior to their delivery.

 

6. Is it ever too late to start birth counseling? 

 
No. Birth counseling can begin at any point during pregnancy or postpartum.

 

7. I am pregnant with twins. Can we work together?

 

Yes. Get ready to hear about doubling your protein!

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8.  Can you help me prepare for a VBAC?  (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). 

 
Yes. I have extensive experience supporting individuals preparing for vaginal birth after Cesarean through education, record review, and emotional preparation.

 

To start the process we would have a TOLAC (trial of labor after Cesarean) and VBAC consultation to learn about the unique circumstances leading to your prior Cesarean section/s.  You would bring a copy of your operative report for me to review and discuss if you are a medically appropriate TOLAC/VBAC client.

 

9. How often do birth counseling sessions occur? 

Sessions are individualized. The initial session is 90 minutes, with follow-up sessions typically 60 minutes.

While the information given is a general overview, it can and many times, changes!  If you happen to need me more or you need to schedule an extra session, I am available for additional sessions. This is the heart of my midwifery practice - one-on-one individualized care. This is what I do to foster excellent emotional well being, education, and empowerment during pregnancy. 

 

10.  Why is birth counseling important?

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Birth counseling helps individuals:

• Process past or traumatic birth experiences

• Address fears about pregnancy, birth, or motherhood

• Feel heard, respected, and informed

• Prepare emotionally for birth and postpartum

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Unresolved fears often resurface during labor. Counseling provides space to understand, reframe, and integrate these experiences—supporting healthier, more empowered births. I can also make referrals to other healthcare practitioners, as needed for pregnancy care.

 

11.  How do you feel about birth doulas? 

I value and collaborate with birth doulas. They are welcome to participate in counseling sessions.

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