Ep. 295: Navigating Maternity Care Deserts & Midwifery in Mississippi with Amanda Smith in Mississippi with Amanda Smith, CPM, LM

HeHe is joined by Amanda, a certified professional and licensed midwife in Mississippi, to discuss the challenges and intricacies of maternity care in a state with high birth-related statistics but limited healthcare options. They explore the current state of midwifery in Mississippi, including the types of midwives, their credentials, and the lack of state regulations. Amanda shares her experiences and insights into providing holistic, client-focused care, the importance of informed consent, and the benefits of potential state licensure for midwives. They also delve into the logistics of home births, handling emergencies, and the process of hospital transfers. The conversation highlights the need for improved healthcare access and the integration of midwives into the broader healthcare system to address Mississippi's maternal and infant mortality rates.

Challenges of Maternity Care in Mississippi

Understanding Midwifery Credentials

Certified Nurse Midwives vs. Certified Professional Midwives

Regulations and Licensure Issues

The Importance of Asking the Right Questions

The Role of Doulas and Certification Challenges

Benefits and Controversies of Licensure

Handling Emergencies and Transfers

Lab Work and Postpartum Care

Informed Consent and Vitamin K Options

Respecting Parental Autonomy in Healthcare Decisions

Challenges in Hospital Systems and Provider Autonomy

Navigating Hospital Transfers

Advocating for Yourself in the Hospital

Legislation and Midwifery in Mississippi

Guest Bio:

While supporting her sister during labor and delivery in 2012, Amanda knew for certain that God was calling her to the ministry of birth work. In early 2014, she began serving families professionally during the childbearing years as a DONA Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator.

In July of 2017, Amanda began the  process of becoming a Certified Professional Midwife with the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). From 2018-2022, she  worked as a Student Midwife in an apprenticeship with Jennifer Green, CPM of Organic HomeBirth in Colorado Springs. After completing the Midwife To Be academic program, fulfilling all of the Clinical Requirements, and passing the NARM exam, she earned the designation of Certified Professional Midwife in May of 2022.  Amanda considers it an honor to walk with families through pregnancy, childbirth, and into parenthood.

 Amanda has been married to her husband Jason for 20 years, and she homeschools their five children.

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BIRTH EDUCATION:

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LINKS MENTIONED:

https://www.hattiesburgmidwifery.com/