Question 1

What Is a Licensed Midwife?

Accepted Answer

In Florida, a Licensed Midwife (LM) is a state-regulated, fully autonomous healthcare provider who offers full-scope maternity care for low-risk pregnancies, birth, and the postpartum period.

Licensed Midwives are not required to have a supervisory agreement with a physician; however, when appropriate, they collaborate with physicians to ensure safe, coordinated care. LMs care for families who meet low-risk criteria and are required by law to consult, refer, or transfer care if a condition develops outside our scope of practice.

In Florida, a Licensed Midwife may provide comprehensive prenatal care, attend planned home births and birth center births, offer postpartum and newborn care, order laboratory testing and ultrasounds, perform newborn exams and metabolic screening, and file the birth certificate.

Licensed Midwives are also required to complete continuing education for license renewal, report annual statistics to the state, and maintain professional liability insurance as part of licensure requirements.

Question 2

How Do I Know If I’m a Good Candidate for Home Birth?

Accepted Answer

During your consultation and initial prenatal visit, we complete a thorough risk assessment. This includes reviewing your medical history, prior births, current health conditions, and any factors that may affect the safety of an out-of-hospital birth.

In general, ideal candidates for planned home birth with a midwife:
• Having a low-risk pregnancy or history of low-risk pregnancies and births
• Are carrying one baby (no breech or multiple gestation)
• Are in stable overall physical and emotional health
• Do not require ongoing medical supervision for chronic medical conditions

Certain health histories may require consultation with an OB during your care. By Florida law, Licensed Midwives cannot attend breech births or multiple gestations in the home setting.
Home birth and midwifery care are built on partnership and shared decision-making. Families who thrive in this model are active participants in their care — asking questions, engaging in thoughtful conversations about options, and taking an active role in maintaining their health throughout pregnancy.

If you’re wondering whether home birth is appropriate for your pregnancy, we welcome the opportunity to review your health history and talk through your questions during a consultation. Every family’s situation is unique, and we are committed to helping you make an informed, supported, and confident decision.

Question 3

Is Home Birth Safe?

Accepted Answer

For women with low-risk pregnancies, planned home birth with a Licensed Midwife is considered a safe option for both mothers and babies. Large studies show that planned home birth for low-risk pregnancies is comparable in safety to planned hospital birth for both mothers and babies when attended by qualified midwives.

Safe home birth begins with careful screening and ongoing assessment. Licensed Midwives in Florida accept only low-risk clients for planned out-of-hospital birth and are required by law to consult, refer, or transfer care if a condition develops outside the scope of safe home birth.

Research also shows that planned home birth is associated with lower rates of medical intervention, including:
·       Induction or augmentation of labor
·       Forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery
·       Cesarean birth
·       Episiotomy

Research comparing planned home birth and planned hospital birth for low-risk pregnancies shows similar outcomes for babies and excellent outcomes for mothers when qualified midwives provide care.

During your consultation, we review your health history and risk factors to help determine whether home birth is a safe and appropriate option for your pregnancy.

If you would like to explore the research in greater detail, see the peer-reviewed studies linked below.

Planned Home Births in the United States Have Outcomes Comparable to Planned Birth Center Births for Low-Risk Birthing Individuals (2024)

Outcomes Associated with Planned Place of Birth Among Women with Low-Risk Pregnancies (2016)

Outcomes of Care for 16,924 Planned Home Births in the United States: The Midwives Alliance of North America Statistics Project, 2004 to 2009 (2014)

Outcomes of Planned Home Births with Certified Professional Midwives: Large Prospective Study in North America (2005)

Question 4

What Happens If I Need to Go to the Hospital?

Accepted Answer

Safe home birth care includes having a clear plan in place if hospital care becomes necessary. Licensed Midwives are specialists in normal, physiological birth and are trained to monitor labor closely and recognize early signs that may indicate the need for a higher level of care.

Most hospital transfers are non-emergent and occur for reasons such as:
·       Labor that is longer than expected
·       Maternal exhaustion
·       Ruptured membranes without labor beginning
·       Desire for pain medication

In most cases, families travel to the hospital by private vehicle, and your midwife communicates with hospital staff to provide a clear report of your pregnancy and labor progress.

During your consultation, we discuss how hospital transfer works and answer any questions you may have. Careful planning and open communication help ensure a smooth and coordinated transition if hospital care becomes necessary.

Question 5

How Long Does the Midwife Stay After the Birth?

Accepted Answer

After your baby is born, the midwife remains with you to closely monitor both mother and baby and ensure everyone is stable and adjusting well. Most families receive 3–4 hours of immediate postpartum care, allowing you to rest and recover in the comfort of your own bed. If additional monitoring is needed, we stay longer or arrange a higher level of care when appropriate.

During this time, we focus on:
• The golden hour for mother and baby
 • Monitoring maternal recovery, including vital signs and normal bleeding
 • Supporting newborn feeding and early adjustment
 • Completing a thorough newborn exam, including vital signs

Before we leave, both mother and baby have been assessed, fed, and are ready to rest. The birth team cleans the birth space, starts laundry, and takes out the trash.

Your next in-home postpartum visit takes place within 24–36 hours after birth. Follow-up postpartum visits continue in your home throughout the first six weeks after birth. 
Our support continues throughout the fourth trimester as you recover and settle in with your new baby.

Frequently Asked Questions About Midwifery Care & Home Birth in Jacksonville

What Is a Licensed Midwife?

How Do I Know If I’m a Good Candidate for Home Birth?

Is Home Birth Safe?

What Happens If I Need to Go to the Hospital?

How Long Does the Midwife Stay After the Birth?