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Best Midwives in Brandon

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated December 11, 2024

Introduction to Midwifery in Brandon, Florida

Definition and scope of midwifery

Midwifery is a healthcare profession that focuses on providing comprehensive care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Midwives in Brandon, Florida, offer a range of services that include prenatal care, labor and delivery support, and postpartum follow-up.

Choosing a midwife for pregnancy and childbirth care can offer several advantages. Midwives typically provide personalized, patient-centered care that emphasizes natural birthing processes and minimal medical interventions when appropriate. They often spend more time with patients during appointments, offering education and emotional support throughout the pregnancy journey.

Overview of midwifery services in Brandon

Brandon, Florida, offers a variety of midwifery services to expectant mothers. Based on the provided data, the city has both Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) practicing in the area. This diversity allows women to choose the type of midwifery care that best aligns with their preferences and needs.

The landscape of midwifery practices in Brandon appears to be well-established, with several highly-rated professionals available. The presence of multiple midwives suggests that women in the area have access to options when selecting a provider for their pregnancy and childbirth care.


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List of Midwives in Brandon

Kimberly Verbarg

Kimberly Verbarg

5.0

Brandon, FL

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(813) 685-8404

English

Midwifery

IB

Irene Besser

5.0

Brandon, FL

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(813) 654-2273

English

Midwifery

MH

Melissa Howes

3.3

Brandon, FL

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(813) 681-0038

English

Midwifery

Laura Russell

Laura Russell

N/A

Brandon, FL

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(813) 738-6686

English

Midwifery

Kitty Lakey

Kitty Lakey

N/A

Brandon, FL

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(813) 685-8404

English

Midwifery

LVK

Laura Vander Kelen

N/A

Brandon, FL

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(813) 685-8404

English

Midwifery

Selecting a Midwife in Brandon

Factors to consider when choosing a midwife

Credentials and certifications

  • Review the midwife's qualifications (CNM, CPM, LM)
  • Check for additional certifications or specializations

Experience and specializations

  • Consider years of practice
  • Look for expertise in specific areas of midwifery

Patient reviews and ratings

  • Examine star ratings on platforms like Healthgrades
  • Read detailed patient reviews for insights

Communication style and personal compatibility

  • Schedule initial consultations to assess rapport
  • Evaluate the midwife's approach to care and birth philosophy

Resources for finding midwives in Brandon

Online directories and review platforms

  • Utilize Healthgrades for comprehensive listings
  • Explore other reputable healthcare review websites

Local healthcare provider networks

  • Contact local hospitals for midwifery referrals
  • Reach out to women's health clinics in Brandon

Recommendations from OB/GYNs or primary care physicians

  • Consult your current healthcare providers for suggestions
  • Ask for referrals based on your specific needs and preferences

Top-Rated Midwives in Brandon

Kimberly Verbarg, LM

Overview

  • 5-star rating with 3 reviews
  • Licensed Midwife (LM)

Contact Information

  • Phone: (813) 685-8404
  • Photo available on Healthgrades

Irene Besser, CNM

Overview

  • 5-star rating with 1 review
  • Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)

Contact Information

  • Phone: (813) 654-2273
  • No photo available on Healthgrades

Melissa Howes

Overview

  • 3.3-star rating with 3 reviews
  • Certification type not specified

Contact Information

  • Phone: (813) 681-0038
  • No photo available on Healthgrades

Other Notable Midwives

Laura Russell, CNM

  • Certification: Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
  • Phone: (813) 738-6686
  • No rating or reviews available

Laura Vander Kelen, CPM

  • Certification: Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)
  • Phone: (813) 685-8404
  • No rating or reviews available

Kitty Lakey, CPM

  • Certification: Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)
  • Phone: (813) 685-8404
  • No rating or reviews available

Additional Considerations for Choosing a Midwife in Brandon

Understanding Different Types of Midwifery Certifications

Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs)

  • Definition and educational background
  • Scope of practice in Brandon
  • Example: Irene Besser, CNM

Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs)

  • Definition and training requirements
  • Focus on out-of-hospital births
  • Examples: Laura Vander Kelen, CPM and Kitty Lakey, CPM

Licensed Midwives (LMs)

  • State-specific licensing for midwives
  • Regulations in Florida
  • Example: Kimberly Verbarg, LM

Questions to Ask Potential Midwives

Philosophy of Care and Birth Approach

  • Natural birth practices
  • Use of interventions
  • Postpartum care offerings

Hospital Affiliations and Backup Plans

  • Relationships with local hospitals
  • Protocols for complications
  • Collaboration with OB/GYNs

Availability and On-Call Schedule

  • 24/7 availability
  • Backup midwife arrangements
  • Communication methods during labor

Insurance and Cost Considerations

Checking Insurance Coverage for Midwifery Services

  • Contacting insurance providers
  • Understanding in-network vs. out-of-network coverage
  • Verifying coverage for specific midwives (e.g., Melissa Howes, Laura Russell)

Understanding Out-of-Pocket Expenses

  • Typical costs for midwifery care in Brandon
  • Payment plans and options
  • Additional services and their costs