If you are looking for amazing midwives in the Orlando area, you definitely want to keep reading! I had the chance to speak with Behiye Yenikomsu from Mama Mia Midwifery to find out more about her practice and what moms-to-be can expect! She took the time to answer many frequently asked questions, so take a peek below.
Interview with Behiye Yenikomsu from Mama Mia Midwifery
Why did you become a midwife?
I became a midwife due to being inspired by the midwives present at the birth of my two girls. At that time I wanted nothing more than to be able to serve women the way they served me in my pregnancy and births. That still is true today 15 years later!
How long have you been a midwife and where have you practiced? What type of training and certification do you have?
I have been a midwife for about seven years. I have worked in the birth center settings across Florida including Daytona, Sanford, and Orlando areas. The birth center is I worked at also provided home-birth care. I eventually began my own home-birth practice as that is what calls to me the most. I have my Masters of Science in Midwifery from Bastyr University in Washington State. 90% of my clinical training was done in Florida and I have worked at various birth centers in the state.
Do you practice as a solo midwife or in a team? How does Mama Mia Midwifery work?
Mama Mia Midwifery is a solo home-birth practice but I do have back up midwives in the community to back me up if needed. I also work with student midwives. I have a in-home office in Lake Nona where most of my prenatal visits are done. For those within a 30 minutes range of me, I will also do prenatal visits in your home. Everyone, regardless of distance, gets a home visit with a birth supply kit at 36 to 37 weeks of pregnancy. After which we will come to you for the remainder of care for the labor and delivery, as well as the postpartum visits.
What is your philosophy on doula support during labor?
The right Doula can be a big help, not only to the mom and family themselves, but also to the midwife. The consistent labor support provided is invaluable.
What does prenatal care with a midwife look like?
It looks vastly different than prenatal care with an OB, in most cases. Visits are usually scheduled for an hour and sometimes may take longer. Our goal is to not just take your blood pressure and listen to your baby to get you out the door, but really get to know you over the duration of your pregnancy. We want to learn about your goals, your dream, hear about your ideal birth process, alleviate your concerns and fears, and really get to know you. Birth is an intimate process and we don’t want to be strangers to you when the time comes!
What might labor look like for your clients?
This is a hard question to answer as labor is different for everyone and even every pregnancy for the same woman. In general, Mama Mia Midwifery clients can look forward to an intimate and calm experience. Home-birth means freedom to move around, eat as you please, and have whoever you would like come and go and be present with you. We are there on your turf and our jobs are to facilitate your needs while keeping you and baby safe.
How are Mama Mia Midwifery clients cared for post-partum?
Postpartum care is all done in the clients home. We are in constant communication and contact throughout the postpartum, often far beyond the standard six weeks. We will come to your home at two days after the birth to do an assessment and required screenings on the baby and mother, again in two weeks for an emotional well-being and weight check, and a final six week postpartum visit. Patients that require more visits in between will be accommodated as necessary.
Is there anything else you would like potential clients to know about hiring a midwife for their birth?
I would love if every woman had the opportunity to interview and consult with a midwife for their pregnancy planning. Having fears and stereotypes eliminated it’s the first step to what can be an empowering and beautiful experience.
Be sure to check out Mama Mia Midwifery and take the opportunity to chat with Behiye Yenikomsu yourself! If you want to view more midwives in the area, check out this post!
