A midwife is a health professional who specializes in caring for mothers and newborns around childbirth, a specialization known as midwifery. And some even share their stories and experiences with birthing on Instagram. The education and training for midwives is similar to that of nurses and takes years of training to complete. A midwife helps healthy women during labor, delivery, and after the birth of their babies. It’s a full package of birth care. Midwives may deliver babies at birthing centers or at home, but most deliver babies at a hospital. Many successful midwives start a business or care center that allows them to put their talents to good use.
Over the past several years the popularity of doulas has increased exponentially. What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife? A doula and a midwife offer different types of services, even though both support the childbirth experience. Midwives have had extensive medical training and during the birth process, focus on delivering a healthy baby. Doulas, however, focus on the needs of the mother, offering mental, physical, and emotional support. Let’s take a look at some incredible Instagram accounts from amazing midwives who have expertise and love to share.
Angelina Ruffin-Alexander Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Certified Nurse Midwife, Angelina Ruffin-Alexander founded Touch of Osun (pronounced oshun) in 2016. “Angelina has practiced as a Certified Nurse Midwife in Georgia since 2014,” her bio reads. “She started her career in the hospital setting doing natural water births. She started a solo homebirth practice in 2016 where she continues to serve women in Georgia in an out of hospital setting. She also serves as the Vice President of the Georgia chapter of American College of Nurse-Midwives.”
Midwife Marie Louise (Known as ‘The Modern Midwife’ on Instagram)
Midwife Marie Louise runs an incredibly informative Instagram account and founded The Modern Midwife, a website that helps educate and inform both expecting parents and other midwives looking for resources. She’s based in the UK and currently works as a Senior Midwife in the NHS. On top of all of that, she’s currently pregnant herself and has been sharing her pregnancy journey with her followers.
Chloë Lubell CNM
Meet Chloë Lubell a Certified Nurse Midwife and owner of Cosmos Midwifery based in New York City. In addition to being a certified midwife, Lubell also runs a popular blog called The Midwife is In. Her Instagram account acts as a companion to the blog and documents her life as a midwife and provides useful information for expecting parents and women in general. She’s also a mother herself (with excellent style) so be sure to give her a follow.
Ray Rachlin Licensed Midwife (LM), Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)
Philadelphia-based Certified Professional Midwife, Ray Rachlin owns Refuge Midwifery. “Midwifery is the fabric of who I am and how I want to change the world,” her biography reads. “I am proud to serve my ever-growing community as an affirming, empowering community midwife.” Her website and Instagram account offer tons of information for expecting parents from all walks of life. Her gorgeous posts often include stories about the births depicted in the photos or information about artists who create the art she shares. It’s wonderful.
Katie Hirst LM, CPM
Katie Hirst is a Licensed Midwife in Austin, Texas, and owns Midwifery of Austin. “She first began working with families and attending birth as a doula, & soon discovered her passion for community birth,” her bio reads. “Katie’s focus shifted to midwifery after being invited to a home birth where the family was treated with respect and autonomy. This experience was completely in contrast with the systemic dis-empowerment she found in the medical model. From that day forward it was clear that midwifery fulfilled her passion of service to women & families.”
Her Instagram account is deeply personal with posts about births, her own life, and the difficulties many expecting parents are experiencing all on display. There are plenty of resources to explore on her website as well. If you’ve ever wanted to know what life as a midwife is like, here’s your chance.
RELATED: 7 Empowering Birth Doulas to Follow on Instagram
Lisa Marie Sanchez Oxenham LM, CPM
Lisa Marie Sanchez Oxenham is a midwife and owner of Sacred Journey Midwifery which serves Los Angeles, Long Beach, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. Oxenham specializes in waterbirths. So, if you love seeing images and videos of births in pools or are considering one yourself, her Instagram account is an excellent resource and truly inspiring.
“I have had the privilege of working with birthing families for close to 25 years in a variety of settings and circumstances,” her bio reads. “From my early years raising my own family, to being a doula, to my midwifery practice now, my love and passion for this art only increases over time.”
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 10 Birth Photographers to Follow on Instagram Who Will Give You Life
Christine Taylor Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), CNM
Meet midwife Christine Taylor owner of Birth by Grace Midwifery who specializes in comprehensive midwifery care and homebirth services. Her services are available throughout Metro-Atlanta and her home base is Peachtree City, Georgia. “Midwifery is my calling,” her bio reads. “I consider myself very fortunate to be enjoying a career in which I was destined to pursue. I support and protect women’s options and deeply cherish the bonds I have formed with many families over the years.”
Her Instagram account is a blast and includes everything from homebirth photos and videos as well as pictures of everyday life for Taylor. Both her website and Insta offer plenty of resources for expecting families.
There you go! Now, you’ve got some amazing midwives to follow! These talented individuals share so much of their expertise and personal experiences through their various Instagram accounts, blogs, and websites. Be sure to check them out for the invaluable information to be found.