Questions You're Already Thinking About

A midwife is a trained healthcare provider specializing in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. While OBs are surgeons trained to manage complications, midwives are experts in physiologic (normal) birth. Midwifery care tends to be more personalized, with longer appointments, greater emphasis on education and informed consent, and a philosophy that trusts the birth process while staying prepared for any situation. Many families choose midwifery care because they want a provider who knows them deeply — not just their chart.

Midwife Dru has completed rigorous midwifery education and maintains current certifications and licensure. She brings over fifteen years of clinical experience across home births, birth centers, and hospital settings. She pursues ongoing continuing education and stays current with the latest evidence in maternal and infant health. Specific credential details are available during your consultation.

Most healthy, low-risk pregnancies are excellent candidates for midwifery care. During your initial consultation, we'll review your health history thoroughly to determine if our care is the best fit. Certain conditions may require co-management with an OB or transfer to physician-led care, and we'll always be transparent about those considerations. Our priority is always your safety and the safety of your baby.

For low-risk pregnancies, extensive research — including large-scale studies from the UK, Netherlands, Canada, and the US — consistently shows that planned home births attended by qualified midwives have outcomes comparable to hospital births, with significantly lower rates of unnecessary intervention. We conduct thorough risk screening, carry emergency supplies, monitor continuously during labor, and maintain a clear hospital transfer plan. Safety is never an afterthought — it's woven into everything we do.

We are trained and equipped to handle emergencies. We carry neonatal resuscitation equipment, hemorrhage management supplies, oxygen, and IV access. We also have established relationships with local hospitals and a clear transfer protocol. Most transfers are non-emergent — things like a long labor that needs additional support. True emergencies are rare, but we are always prepared. Your safety plan is discussed thoroughly during your prenatal care.

We'll provide you with a complete supply list and walk you through everything during your prenatal visits. Most items are simple and affordable — waterproof sheets, towels, a birth pool (if desired), and postpartum supplies. We bring all clinical equipment. Your home doesn't need to be "special" — it just needs to be yours. We'll help you create a comfortable, safe birth space in whatever room feels right to you.

Our comprehensive care packages include all prenatal visits, labor and birth attendance, and postpartum follow-up. Pricing is discussed in detail during your consultation and varies based on the type of birth and any additional services. We believe in transparent pricing — no hidden fees, no surprises. We also offer payment plans to make care accessible.

Many insurance plans do cover midwifery services, though coverage varies significantly by plan and state. We can help you verify your benefits and will provide the documentation needed for reimbursement. Even if your plan doesn't cover midwifery directly, many families find that the out-of-pocket cost is comparable to or less than high-deductible hospital birth costs. We'll work with you to find a path that makes financial sense.

Our prenatal visits are 45-60 minutes long — not the 10-minute appointments you may be used to. We check vitals, measure fundal height, listen to baby's heart tones, review labs, and discuss any symptoms or concerns. But we also talk about nutrition, emotional wellness, relationship changes, birth planning, and anything else on your mind. You'll never feel rushed. Your questions are always welcome.

Absolutely — we encourage it. Partners, family members, and support people are welcome at prenatal visits, birth, and postpartum appointments. Birth is a family event, and the people you choose to surround yourself with are an important part of your care team. We also include partner-specific education in our childbirth classes.

The earlier the better — ideally in the first trimester, though we're happy to begin care at any point in your pregnancy. Early contact allows us to build a deep relationship, start comprehensive prenatal care from the beginning, and ensure plenty of time for education and birth planning. Even if you're just considering midwifery care, a free consultation is a great first step.

Yes, many families successfully achieve VBACs with midwifery care. We'll review your previous birth history, assess individual risk factors, discuss the evidence on VBAC safety, and create a care plan that honors your goals while prioritizing safety. VBAC is a deeply personal decision, and we support you with honest information and unwavering respect for your autonomy.