Tacoma, WA 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 our Washington midwifery care must be essentially healthy and their pregnancies considered normal and low risk.

All About Birth Midwifery is an umbrella practice in Washington State and Hawaii owned and operated by Susan Lawler, if you would like to work with Susan in HI or WA state, 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.

In addition Susan and Kate back each other up in the event that one of them is unavailable (not a common occurrence).

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:

WASHINGTON
Called to Birth Doula Services

Adrianne Buyer

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.

Transfer of Care: Should you develop any of these high-risk conditions or situations, we prioritize your safety and well-being.

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 more resources found in a hospital than those that are available at The Birthing Inn or home, 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.

Breech and Twins are not allowed at Washington state birth centers. VBAC is NOW allowed at freestanding birth centers however, The Birthing Inn is not currently engaging with this new rule that the DOH implemented as of July 2025.

If you have questions about Breech, Twins or VBAC reach out.

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 reach out to the higher level of care and hospital to arrange a smooth transition. Doula support can be essential in the event of a non-emergent transfer. Once your baby is born, we will continue to support you throughout your postpartum period, ensuring continuity of care and offering guidance and assistance as needed.

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 us here.