Frequently Asked Questions

A licensed Midwife is a trained and certified professional specializing in assisting women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care outside of the hospital.

Licensed Midwives have access to medications for specific purposes, including the control of hemorrhage, perineal repair, shock, seizure management, and the provision of oxygen for resuscitation.

However, it's important to note that licensed Midwives do not have access to pain medications commonly used in labor, such as narcotics and epidural anesthesia. Instead, they offer a range of natural and supportive techniques to manage discomfort and assist women in labor to have a fulfilling birthing experience.

Midwifery in Washington State is hosted by All About Birth, LLC an umbrella practice owned and operated by Susan Lawler, LM, CPM.

At All About Birth, we operate on an individual, primary midwife model of care. This means that when you engage our services, the midwife you choose is the primary caregiver throughout your pregnancy journey. Of course, there could be life events that may come up for your primary midwife. However, as an umbrella practice, there is always a backup midwife to support you.

Midwives believe in providing comprehensive and personalized care to individuals who are committed to embracing a holistic approach to their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum experiences. We welcome those who resonate with the following criteria:

Good Overall Health: Candidates should consider themselves in good overall health, meeting the criteria of being low risk. ( hyper link a document I will provide). Prioritizing health and wellness are foundational to the journey of pregnancy and childbirth.

Responsibility in Pregnancy and Birth: Individuals interested in midwifery care with All About Birth should take responsibility for their pregnancy and birth experiences seriously. This involves an active engagement in their own health and well-being throughout the entire process.

Holistic Health & Education Focus: Candidates who are interested in holistic health practices and preventive care methods, may include attending birthing classes, engaging in recommended reading and body work are an ideal fit for our services. Embracing the interconnectedness of mind, body, soul, and spirit throughout the pregnancy journey is key.

Partner Support and Out-of-Hospital Midwifery: Embracing the support of a partner in choosing out-of-hospital midwifery care is encouraged. We value the involvement and commitment of partners and spouses in this journey.

Commitment to Unmedicated Delivery: A commitment to pursuing an unmedicated delivery is essential for candidates seeking midwifery care. Our focus on natural childbirth techniques and support is integral to our approach.

We aim to provide personalized care and support that aligns with your values and preferences throughout this transformative experience. If you resonate with these criteria and wish to explore midwifery care with us further, please don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation.

Absolutely, we love partnering with Doulas! In addition to support from your partner, having a Doula as a part of your birth team is highly encouraged! A combination of these support systems help you achieve a successful, unmedicated, out-of-hospital birth experience.

Here is one of my favorite groups: Called to Birth Doula Services.

At All About Birth, certain conditions or situations may classify a pregnancy as high risk.

Certain conditions or situations may classify a pregnancy as high risk. High-risk factors may include:

DIABETES: Particularly uncontrolled or insulin-dependent diabetes; however, diet-controlled gestational diabetes is manageable within our care.

PREECLAMPSIA: A condition characterized by high blood pressure and other complications after 28 weeks of pregnancy.

HYPERTENSION: Pre-existing high blood pressure or gestational hypertension.

These are considered increased risk situations and are currently not allowed at The Birthing Inn:

Breech Presentation: When the baby is positioned bottom-down instead of head-down closer to the due date.

Twin Pregnancy: Carrying twins or multiples.

VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-Section): A vaginal birth after a previous cesarean section.

If you find yourself in an increased-risked situation and would like guidance on what to do next, visit the consultations page to make an appointment with Susan. Let’s talk about your options!

Transfer of Care: Should you develop any of these high-risk conditions or situations, we prioritize your safety and well-being. My current back-up doctor is Dr. Steven Maynard with Rainier OB/GYN.

Your safety and the safety of your baby are our top priorities. If you have any concerns or questions regarding high-risk factors or the transfer of care process, please feel free to contact us. We’re here to provide support and clarity throughout your pregnancy journey.

Outside of Washington state I would consult with the local Ob/GYN in your local area.

Cardiovascular
Compromising heart disease including uncontrolled hypertension
Pulmonary disease or uncontrolled asthma
Symptomatic congenital heart defects
Cardiac diastolic murmur, cardiac systolic murmur III/IV or above
Previous Rh sensitization
Hematocrit less than 29%, unless chronic condition present where minimum would be 28%
Hemolytic disease, thrombocytopenia (plts<100,000)
Clotting disorder
Active smoking habit

Current substance abuse

Urinary system
Moderate to severe renal disease, including nephritis
Endocrine
Type I or II diabetes mellitus
Untreated hyperthyroidism

Psycho-neurological
Severe mental health problem
Epilepsy or seizure disorder requiring use of anticonvulsant drugs
Severe recurring migraine headaches

Maternal physical findings
Class 3 obesity with any other comorbidity
HBV, HCV, HIV positive
Evidence of active tuberculosis
Previous major uterine wall surgery, or obstetrical complications likely to recur
Multiple gestation
Placental disorders (previa)

Severe socio-economic
Conditions that would require more resources found in a hospital than those that are available at TBI, including lack of social support

Other
Active recreational marijuana use within the last two months of pregnancy.
Gestation of more than 28 weeks with no prenatal care.
Conditions that would require more resources found in a hospital than those that are available at The Birthing Inn or in a home setting, including lack of social support.

VBAC and Breech are not allowed at Washington state birth centers. May be eligible with Susan at your home.

Outside of Washington state I would consult with the local Ob/GYN in your area.

Transfer of Care: Should you develop any of these high-risk conditions or situations, we prioritize your safety and well-being. We have relationships with higher level providers to consult with regarding your care when needed.

Your safety and the safety of your baby are our top priorities. If you have any concerns or questions regarding high-risk factors or the transfer of care process, please feel free to contact us. We’re here to provide support and clarity throughout your pregnancy journey.

Collaborative Care: Our team maintains strong collaborative relationships with our local hospitals and doctors to ensure a smooth transition of care while prioritizing your personalized needs and preferences as much as possible.

Continued Support: In the event of a transfer of care, your midwife will continue to support throughout your postpartum period ensuring continuity of care and offering guidance and assistance as needed.

Under our care, we prioritize supporting you in establishing a strong breastfeeding bond within the initial postpartum period:

Up to 2 Weeks Post-Delivery: Our dedicated team provides comprehensive breastfeeding guidance and support during the first two weeks after delivery. We assist in establishing a strong breastfeeding relationship between you and your baby, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable with this essential aspect of postpartum care.

Breastfeeding Support for Non-Clients or beyond 2 Weeks: Even if you are not currently a client of All About Birth, Susan offers specialized breastfeeding support. Whether you are seeking guidance beyond the initial two-week period or if you haven’t been under our care, Susan is available to assist you in establishing a successful breastfeeding journey.

Visit our breastfeeding support page for more detailed information on lactation services with Susan.

The $600 booking fee serves as a reservation deposit and is not covered by insurance.

Purpose of the Fee: This fee secures your place with our midwifery care and guarantees that your midwife isn’t overbooked. It’s a commitment fee ensuring personalized care and attention throughout your pregnancy journey.

Insurance Coverage: Please note that the booking fee is not covered by insurance and is separate from insurance-related payments or reimbursements. For further details about payment structures, insurance coverage, or any inquiries regarding fees, please refer to our Investment Page or feel free to contact Susan directly.