Hawaii Home Birth Midwife

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.

When you choose to work with a Licensed Midwife for an out-of-hospital birth, you do not need an OB/GYN as an additional provider.

Clients accepted for my Hawaii midwifery care must be essentially healthy and their pregnancies considered normal and low risk.

All About Birth Midwifery is an umbrella practice in Hawaii and Washington State and Hawaii-owned and operated by Susan Lawler.

If you would like to work with Susan in Hawaii, she is your primary midwife.

Kate Wild, LM, CPM, MSM works under the umbrella of All About Midwifery in Tacoma, Washington. If you choose Kate she is your primary midwife, and Susan is responsible for the administrative aspects of your care.

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. 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 for an Out-of-Hospital Midwifery:
We encourage and 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 are some of our favorite groups:

HAWAII DOULAS

Waimea Doula

Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Community-Based Doula Program

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.

The following are considered increased risk situations:

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 have questions about Breech, Twins, or VBAC in Hawaii, please reach out.

Your safety and your baby's safety 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.

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
• Placental disorders (previa)
• Severe socio-economic conditions that would require 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.

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 arrange the transfer, and accompany you to the hospital to help with the smooth transition of care. One you are settled in the higher level of care to support your birth, your midwife will leave you in their capable hands and meet with you postpartum for the continuation of care for you and your baby.

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.