Do I have to be Catholic to be a client?

No, you do not have to be Catholic to receive care at Morning Star Midwifery & Birth Center. While our approach is rooted in Catholic values, we are committed to providing compassionate, expert care that honors the dignity of ALL human life, regardless of religious affiliation. We welcome families from all backgrounds who share our commitment to natural, holistic, and personalized birth care. All are welcome here.

What does a midwife do?

For low-risk pregnancies, midwives replace the need for an OB by providing the same routine care, but with longer appointment times, increased education, and a more personalized approach. Midwives specialize in pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and postpartum health. Known for their humanistic approach, they offer supportive, natural methods for pregnancy and birth. Many choose a midwife for an unmedicated birth, minimal interventions, or because they prefer a birth experience outside the hospital setting.

• Prenatal appointments and routine pregnancy monitoring

• Prenatal blood work and referrals for ultrasounds

• Attending the birth and providing newborn care

• Postpartum care for both mother and baby

• Educate on nutrition, lactation, fertility, and other aspects of reproductive health

• Natural family planning

Is a midwife better than an OB?

Midwives Are Experts in Natural, Low-Risk Births

When choosing the right care provider for a low-risk pregnancy, many families are turning to midwives for their expertise in natural childbirth. OB-GYNs specialize in surgical interventions and high-risk pregnancies, while midwives focus on supporting the body’s natural, physiological process of birth. Since most pregnancies are low-risk and don’t require medical interventions, midwifery care is often the ideal choice for those seeking a more natural, holistic approach to childbirth.

Here’s why midwifery care is the optimal choice for families seeking an autonomous, low-intervention birth experience:

Benefits of Choosing a Midwife for a Low Risk Birth

1. Low Intervention

Midwives focus on supporting the natural course of labor, reducing unnecessary medical interventions. This hands-off approach promotes a more gentle and personalized birth experience, where your body is encouraged to do what it was designed to do.

2. Decreased Chance of Induction

Midwives prioritize letting labor begin naturally, with minimal interference. This reduces the likelihood of unnecessary inductions, which can be more common in hospital settings. Midwives respect the timing of your baby’s arrival and your body’s readiness.

3. Reduced Risk of Cesarean or Instrument Assisted Birth

By emphasizing natural birth and low intervention, midwives significantly reduce the risk of cesarean sections or the use of forceps and vacuum extraction. They provide skilled support and guidance, encouraging positioning, movement, and comfort techniques that help avoid the need for surgical intervention.

4. Less Use of Medications

Midwifery care is centered around natural pain management techniques, such as water birth, birthing strategies, doulas, massage, and movement, which can reduce or eliminate the need for medications. Midwives are experts in helping you cope with the sensations of labor without relying on drugs.

5. Decreased Risk of Maternal Complications

With fewer interventions and a focus on nutritional and holistic care, midwifery has been shown to lower the risk of complications like preeclampsia, hemorrhage, and maternal death. Midwives monitor your health throughout pregnancy and labor, ensuring that you receive the care you need while avoiding unnecessary medical risks.

6. Lower Risk of Perineal Tears

Midwives use techniques that support gentle perineal stretching and position changes during birth, helping to prevent tearing. Their expertise in supporting the natural process can lead to a more intact perineum and a quicker recovery postpartum.

7. Home Birth

Midwives are skilled in home birth settings, providing families with a comfortable, familiar environment for labor and birth. Choosing a home birth with a midwife allows you greater control over your surroundings, including the ability to choose who is present and how your birth unfolds.

8. More Control Over Your Birth Experience

Midwifery care offers families greater autonomy. Midwives take the time to listen to your birth preferences, educate you about your options, and work with you to create a personalized birth plan. You are an active participant in your care and in the decisions surrounding your birth.

Midwives Know When to Refer to Obstetrical Care

While midwives are experts in supporting low-risk pregnancies and natural birth, they are also trained to recognize when a pregnancy may become complicated or high-risk. If medical intervention is required, midwives will refer you to an OB-GYN or appropriate specialist. Your safety and well-being are always our priority.