If you are looking for amazing midwives in the Orlando area, don’t move from this blog! I had the chance to speak with Cassandra Largaespada from Teamwork Birthing 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 Cassandra Largaespada from Teamwork Birthing
Why did you become a midwife?
I became a midwife to offer high quality, informed consent care to all women. It is a passion and a calling that I do not take for granted.
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 licensed and certified professional midwife since July of 2018. I have practiced in birthing centers and now focus on home births.
Do you practice as a solo midwife or in a team? How does Teamwork Birthing work?
I practice as a solo midwife right now but will be a 2 midwife team starting in July 2021 when my sister finishes school. We offer the traditional schedule of visits in our office and do all lab work in house. All testing, screening and treatment is discussed before hand and benefits/risks are given so that the patient can make an informed decision for themself.
Where are your clients able to give birth? Is there anywhere you won’t go and do you have preferred partners you work with?
We are home birth only. However, “home” is considered wherever you reside. So, we have done hotel births, Airbnb births, births at the patient’s friend house or mother’s house. You come to us for prenatal visits but we come to you for the birth. We cover Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake counties within an hour drive from our office.
What is your philosophy on doula support during labor?
Doulas are amazing and a great part of the birth team. We highly encourage the use of doulas. (You can check out some amazing doulas in the Orlando area here!)
What does prenatal care with a midwife look like?
Teamwork Birthing offers personalized care to each patient and we believe strongly that women should be an active part of their health care. Our visits are typically 30-60 minutes in length and we discuss many pregnancy/birth education options throughout the prenatal time. Our patients are not a number. We know your name and we know your family. We understand that allowing us into your birth space is a very intimate time that we honor.
What might labor look like for your clients?
Labor is different for everyone and truly whatever the patient wants. We have caught babies (or the parents catch themselves) in every location and position you can think of in the home. Many people prefer water birth but not everyone. We have attended babies birthed standing, squatting, side lying, hands/knees, laying back, lunging, kneeling… in the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, living room, closet, back porch. We follow your lead and what your body is telling you to do. All our equipment is portable and water proof.
How are Teamwork Birthing clients cared for post-partum?
We are available 24/7 by phone for postpartum questions and concerns. We do a home visit and check on mom/baby at 2 days postpartum and offer office visits at 2 weeks and 6 weeks postpartum.
Is there anything else you would like potential clients to know about hiring a midwife for their birth?
Often choosing a midwife is a gut feeling. You want to meet and interview several midwives and pick the one you “click” with.
Be sure to check out Teamwork Birthing and take the opportunity to chat with Cassandra yourself! If you want to view more midwives in the area, check out this post! Be sure to also check out an amazing maternity and baby store, MacroBaby Orlando!
