Homebirth Midwife 101: Everything You Need to Know

A homebirth midwife is a healthcare professional who provides care and support to women and birthing people who choose to give birth at home. They are trained and licensed healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care in the comfort of the family’s home.

Education & Licensing of Homebirth Midwives

In California, the majority of homebirth midwives are Licensed Midwives (LM) rather than certified nurse midwives (though some CNMs do provide homebirth services). Licensed midwives in CA are required to be both Licensed Midwives and Certified Professional Midwives. Midwifery licenses are granted by the Medical Board of California. To obtain licensure, midwives are required to go through a MEAC-accredited midwifery training program (3-5 years), complete extensive clinical hours under the supervision of a licensed midwife, and pass a national licensing exam called the NARM. Midwives in California renew their licenses every two years and complete continuing education in between to stay up to date on the most current research and practice guidelines.

Homebirth midwives are specially trained to provide natural, holistic care to pregnant women and pregnant people who are seeking an alternative to hospital-based birth. They work in partnership with their clients to provide personalized care that is tailored to meet their unique needs and preferences.

Learn about the Homebody Midwives and their training.

Homebirth midwife services

The services provided by homebirth midwives include prenatal care, labor and delivery support, and postpartum care. They offer a range of services such as regular prenatal check-ups, education, and counseling on nutrition, exercise, and childbirth preparation. They also provide emotional support to help clients cope with the physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth.

How homebirth midwives work

Homebirth midwives are highly trained and experienced professionals who work closely with their clients to provide safe and personalized care. During labor and delivery, homebirth midwives provide continuous support to help mothers achieve a safe and natural birth. They monitor both the client’s and the baby’s vitals at regular intervals to assess safety and well-being. They hold space for the process of labor, offer comfort measures such as massage, relaxation techniques, and pain management options, and help ensure that the client and baby are safe and healthy throughout the process.

After the birth, homebirth midwives provide in-home postpartum care and support to help their clients recover from childbirth and adjust to the new demands of parenthood. They offer guidance on breastfeeding, baby care, and emotional support to help new parents adjust to changing family dynamics. Unlike in the hospital system where newly postpartum moms and birthing people are not seen until 6 weeks postpartum, midwives offer 5-6 home visits in the first 6 weeks after birth.

While homebirth may not be the right choice for everyone, many women and birthing people find that it provides them with a safe, comfortable, and holistic approach to their childbearing experience.

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