Safety
considerations for safety at home
Community Standards
As a Licensed Midwife, I follow Madison’s community standards of care in addition to the State of Wisconsin’s legislated standards, established by the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM). With a strong village of skilled midwives and supportive nurses, hospital midwives, physicians, and EMS, Madison’s home birthing families are well cared for. Our community actively works to maintain integral relationships and processes, promoting collaborative communication and continuity of care. Coordinated efforts such as a strategically streamlined hospital transfer process for direct admission, ensure appropriate, effective care.
improved outcomes with skilled midwifery care
Licensure
The Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) credential is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and granted by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) upon successful completion of a competency-based evaluation process, including final board examination.
Licensure (LM) is granted to CPMs and CNMs by the State of Wisconsin. Licensed midwives must participate in continuing education and peer performance reviews, and practice within state statutes.
starting at home
Prevention
Starting at home is preventive care that optimizes your strength and wellbeing as you define it. You-led care emphasizing whole self wellness and informed decisions helps to minimize vulnerabilities and influence healthy experiences, as best as is in our power. I offer all routine testing and screenings, including ordering ultrasounds. Relationship-based care with communication and partnership are key as you have constant access to your midwife and enjoy longer, 1-on-1 appointments.
first line response at home
Emergency Skills
Emergency response is limited at home where we are lower-resourced but often similar to first line response in the hospital for both birthing folks and babies. A second midwife is with us at birth time, and both of us are certified in Neonatal Resuscitation and Provider Adult and Infant CPR. As a Licensed Midwife, I participate in continuing education and trainings for emergency skills and managing complications.
tools I carry to births
Equipment
As a Licensed Midwife, I carry the following to all births:
Anti-hemorrhagic medications
(Pitocin, Cytotec, Methergine, TXA)
IV fluids
Oxygen & equipment to administer
Infant resuscitation bag & mask
Infant suctioning equipment
Pulse oximeter
Suturing equipment & Lidocaine
IV antibiotics
Doppler ultrasound (fetal heart tones monitoring)
when the hospital is needed
Transfer
Should any tools be needed that we do not have at home, or any complications occur that are beyond my resources, hospital care is truly necessary and appreciated. When that happens, I am grateful we have amazing hospitals to transfer to with supportive and collaborative staff meeting us there. Most transitions are non-emergent and happen by car. When emergent care is needed, EMS response is smooth and respectful. I stay by your side throughout as support.
Interviewing a Midwife
considerations for talking with potential midwives and making informed decisions in building the best team for you
North American Registry of Midwives
professional organization credentialing and overseeing CPMs
professional organization for Licensed Midwives offering community midwifery care in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Legislation for Licensed Midwives
state legislation Chapters SPS 180-189, rules and regulations for the practice of Licensed Midwifery in Wisconsin
National Association of Certified Professional Midwives
professional organization representing and supporting CPMs
United Nations agency dedicated to international public health, including maternal health
Evidence Based Birth – Evidence on Midwives
“Midwives are literally saving lives…Follow the data; invest in midwives.”
Wisconsin Association for Perinatal Care
professional organization dedicated to improving outcomes and reducing disparities in Wisconsin’s perinatal health through education, quality improvement, collaboration, and advocacy
International Confederation of Midwives
organization strengthening midwifery care globally through standardizing evidence-based care and training