Philosophy

My Philosophy of Midwifery Care

Childbirth is one of the most important events in a woman’s life. Her experience giving birth has the potential to give her great empowerment and confidence as a woman or to dash her self-esteem and possibly leave lifelong wounds. I have personally experienced both ends of the spectrum in my own four births and have had the sweet privilege of serving hundreds of birthing women over the past couple of decades who have taught me just how very important it is for a woman to receive care that will put her in a position to have the most healthy, safe, fulfilling birth experience possible.

Midwifery Care

Choosing a qualified midwife to care for you throughout your pregnancy and during your labor and delivery is taking a giant step toward having a healthy, satisfying pregnancy and birth you and your baby desire and deserve.

Since the beginning of time, midwives have been the expert guardians and keepers of normal, healthy pregnancy and birth. They understand that women are designed to safely and successfully carry, bear, and nurse their babies; and midwives trust that design. Midwives routinely give care without intervention, but they have the education and skills necessary to recognize when something is out of the ordinary and will step in with appropriate action or refer for medical care when needed.

I am honored to be a midwife and I take my role in this community very seriously. As a Florida Licensed Midwife (LM), I offer full prenatal, birth, and postpartum care to women in low-risk pregnancies in Sarasota, Charlotte, and surrounding counties. It is my goal that every woman I serve will remain healthy and low-risk throughout her pregnancies.

Prenatal Care

Probably the most important ingredient in keeping a pregnancy low-risk is excellent prenatal care. “Prenatal care” consists of ALL the care a woman receives throughout her pregnancy, not just what happens during her appointments with her midwife. It is your responsibility to maintain a healthy diet, exercise, lifestyle, and environment as your part of that prenatal care. During prenatal appointments, you will have the opportunity to partner with me, your midwife, to monitor your health and the health of your baby. It is through this kind of teamwork that so many women are having excellent birth outcomes under the care of midwives.

Individualized Care

Every woman is an individual and each pregnancy is unique. I will spend time with you at our appointments, getting to know you and your family, and becoming familiar with your baby. My desire is that our time together is relaxed, not rushed and that you feel completely comfortable and well cared for.

Family Involvement

The family is foundational in our society and I strive to provide care that supports and promotes family unity and bonding. This is such an exciting and special time in the life of your family! Your baby’s father, your children, and other family members are encouraged to be as involved in your care and birth as you desire.

Informed Decision-Making

There are many decisions to be made during pregnancy that affect the health and well-being of the mother and baby. In midwifery care, we are working together as a team with the goal of a healthy mom and baby and I welcome and value your input and involvement in decisions to be made concerning your pregnancy and baby. I believe that it is a family’s right to be fully informed concerning their care. At our appointments, I will spend time with you to educate you, take care of any questions you may have, and I will point you in the direction of trusted resources for your own personal research so you are equipped to confidently assume the responsibility for your health and make informed decisions concerning your health care needs.

Prepared, Just in Case

While we do not expect complications, sometimes things deviate from normal. We are prepared just in case a situation may arise that is out of the ordinary. I have on hand medications, oxygen, and equipment to be used and can suggest alternative therapies such as herbs and homeopathy when it is appropriate. There may be times that I will consult with or refer a client to a physician; and although it is rare, it is sometimes necessary to transfer care to an obstetric practice or hospital.

Toward Healthy Mothers and Babies

Together, along with your family, we unite as a team to work toward the goal of a healthy pregnancy and baby and safe and satisfying childbirth experience. I am honored to be part of that team.

Kristin Schuchmann, CPM, LM
Florida Licensed Certified Professional Midwife