Episode 6: What is it like Working with a Midwife with Jessica Diggs
In this episode, you’ll hear Jessica and I discuss:
What is a midwife?
A midwife is a trained professional that specializes in “low-risk, physiologically-normal reproductive health”
They support people during low-risk childbirth and pregnancy
Midwives provide gynecological screenings (pap smears, STI testing, and more)
Nurse midwives can provide shots and vaccines and assist with abortions
Why have many turned toward midwives and home births?
The pandemic slowed down our lives, so people had more time research midwifery and home births. Because of COVID, hospitals became higher-risk. Also, people wanted in-person care over Telehealth support.
What is a well-person check like with a midwife?
You sit it a COMFORTABLE chair
You talk for about 30 - 60 minutes
You discuss health and well-being including nutrition, vitamins, supplements, body work, stress levels, menstrual experiences, sexual health, pleasure, and past health / medical history.
You create a health plan and connect with any outside sources
If medically necessary, a midwife performs labs or exams
How can birthing people be empowered through education?
Midwives educate about the phases of a cycle, including how things like ovulation work.
They educate about hormones, and what’s normal and not normal when it comes to a cycle.
Many people with periods feel they aren’t heard or validated. Others don’t have access to respectful medical care or education. Some might experience medical gaslighting. Finding a provider that listens is essential.
What is a birthing experience like with a midwife?
Midwives follow a standard calendar of appointments, like an OB.
Appointments are 30-45 minutes and spent entirely with the midwife.
The appointment is spent discussing topics like health, nourishment, stress-levels, general well-being, and symptoms.
If clinically-significant, labs and exams are performed.
During birth, a midwife is there the entire birth, monitoring you; afterward, they are there for several hours.
A midwife brings oxygen, labs, IV fluids, and resuscitation equipment, which often goes unused.
Postpartum, midwives will typically have four postpartum visits and many check-ins.
How is working with a midwife be safer than people realize?
Midwives emphasize preventative care.
Midwives do not perform inductions, which can increase the chance of an emergency cesarean.
A midwife is present the entire birth.
Midwives provide a lot of education for the birthing person and, if applicable, their partner.
What are your biggest tips for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum?
For pregnancy, it is important to fill in the gaps of your care team and connect with people who align with your birthing goals.
For birth, conserve your energy and nourish yourself. If you are birthing at a hospital, stay at home as long as possible, unless you are high-risk.
For postpartum, get support, delegate, and communicate with your support team about what you need.
Where can people find you?
You can connect with Jessica Instagram or on her website. She also teaches for Loom and DTI.
Enjoy the episode!
Jessica Diggs is a midwife based in Los Angeles, CA. Jessica is a Licensed Midwife working in a solo practice in Los Angeles. She’s been a doula and reproductive health educator since 2012. The trainings, her mentors, and ultimately, her first birth as a doula honed her interest in reproductive justice and empowering education. Jessica supports people and families through well-person care, home birth services, and conception support.
