Mission Statement:
Heritage Birth Ministries
Practice Guidelines
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Restrictions
In order to ensure the best possible outcomes for my patients, I have developed a very carefully organized Risk
Evaluation and Assessment. At the initial consultation, I will evaluate a patient's risk level based primarily on pre-
existing risk factors. This risk assessment will be repeated at the beginning of each trimester and again at the onset of
labor. If a woman scores <3, she is considered low-risk. A risk assessment score >3 but >5 calls for collaboration of
care. A risk assessment >5 may mean the transfer of care to a back-up physician or someone able to provide care in
high-risk situations.
As a midwife, I have the right to refuse and/or transfer care if needed. I WILL NOT accept patients with the following
risk factors:
I also reserve the right to refuse care to patients who do not follow the guidelines of care I have prescribed. Should
the need arise for me to transfer care, I will do my best to provide the patient with names and contact information of
other providers and will continue to be available for emergency care for thirty (30) days.
Evaluation and Assessment. At the initial consultation, I will evaluate a patient's risk level based primarily on pre-
existing risk factors. This risk assessment will be repeated at the beginning of each trimester and again at the onset of
labor. If a woman scores <3, she is considered low-risk. A risk assessment score >3 but >5 calls for collaboration of
care. A risk assessment >5 may mean the transfer of care to a back-up physician or someone able to provide care in
high-risk situations.
As a midwife, I have the right to refuse and/or transfer care if needed. I WILL NOT accept patients with the following
risk factors:
- Any major medical condition that would be contraindicated in a home birth situation
- Patients with a history of substance abuse
- Patients that smoke or drink
- Patients whose husband is not behind their home birth decision
I also reserve the right to refuse care to patients who do not follow the guidelines of care I have prescribed. Should
the need arise for me to transfer care, I will do my best to provide the patient with names and contact information of
other providers and will continue to be available for emergency care for thirty (30) days.
The mission of Heritage Birth Ministries is to
provide quality care to couples desiring a
home birth in central Mississippi. As a
Christian, I believe that life begins at
conception and that each baby is a blessing
from the Lord.
I believe that each couple should accept full
responsibility for their birthing experience and
should be active participants throughout the
pregnancy, labor, and childbirth experience.
Heritage Birth Ministries actively encourages
informed consent by providing complete,
relevant, objective information to facilitate
decision making.
I believe that birth is a natural, God-ordained event and that, in the majority of cases, it can take place safely without medical
intervention. I also believe that God has given us the availability of both medical doctors and hospitals for those few
instances when birth at home would be contraindicated and that by coordinating care between a midwife and the couple's
physician most complications can be treated and/or avoided.
Heritage Birth Ministries is concerned with the promotion of women's health. Heritage Birth Ministries is holistic in nature,
combining an understanding of the social, emotional, spiritual, psychological, and physical ramifications of a woman's
birthing experience. I believe that labor and birth should not be regulated by arbitrary time-frames and will not use
intervention methods as long as there is not danger to mom or baby.
provide quality care to couples desiring a
home birth in central Mississippi. As a
Christian, I believe that life begins at
conception and that each baby is a blessing
from the Lord.
I believe that each couple should accept full
responsibility for their birthing experience and
should be active participants throughout the
pregnancy, labor, and childbirth experience.
Heritage Birth Ministries actively encourages
informed consent by providing complete,
relevant, objective information to facilitate
decision making.
I believe that birth is a natural, God-ordained event and that, in the majority of cases, it can take place safely without medical
intervention. I also believe that God has given us the availability of both medical doctors and hospitals for those few
instances when birth at home would be contraindicated and that by coordinating care between a midwife and the couple's
physician most complications can be treated and/or avoided.
Heritage Birth Ministries is concerned with the promotion of women's health. Heritage Birth Ministries is holistic in nature,
combining an understanding of the social, emotional, spiritual, psychological, and physical ramifications of a woman's
birthing experience. I believe that labor and birth should not be regulated by arbitrary time-frames and will not use
intervention methods as long as there is not danger to mom or baby.
Definition of a Midwife
A midwife is a person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifery educational program duly recognized, has
successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be
registered and/or legally practice midwifery in her country or state.
The midwife must be able to give the necessary supervision, care, and advice to women prior to and during pregnancy,
labor, and the postpartum period, to conduct deliveries on her own, and to care for the newborn infant. This care
includes preventative measures, the detection of complications in the mother and child, the procurement of medical
assistance when necessary and the execution of emergency measures in the absence of medical help.
~Adapted from the College of Midwives
successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be
registered and/or legally practice midwifery in her country or state.
The midwife must be able to give the necessary supervision, care, and advice to women prior to and during pregnancy,
labor, and the postpartum period, to conduct deliveries on her own, and to care for the newborn infant. This care
includes preventative measures, the detection of complications in the mother and child, the procurement of medical
assistance when necessary and the execution of emergency measures in the absence of medical help.
~Adapted from the College of Midwives
Limitations of Care
Collaborative Care
Although midwives primarily care for normal, otherwise healthy women and newborns, they are responsible for
recognizing and consulting/referring when complications and/or deviations occur.
~Adapted from the College of Midwives
recognizing and consulting/referring when complications and/or deviations occur.
~Adapted from the College of Midwives
- I am a Direct-Entry Midwife. I am not a registered nurse, nor am I licenced in the state of Mississippi
- I am not able to write prescriptions or provide narcotic pain relief during labor
- I will consult with a back-up physician should deviations from normal occur throughout the pregnancy, labor,
or birth - I am not licenced to deliver in a hospital. Should the need to transfer arise during labor, the physician on call
becomes the primary care provider.