If you are visiting here and you are newly pregnant: congratulations !
Hello, my name is Alexandra Wagner. I am a South Carolina Licensed Midwife (LM) and Certified Professional Midwife (CPM). I provide prenatal, birth, and post partum care for families in South Carolina since 2004. I subscribe to the Midwives Model of Care which views pregnancy and childbirth as a family-centered, normal life process. Our clients receive comprehensive, individualized care to best meets their needs.
It is my believe that women are inherently strong and that we are gifted with numerous unique abilities, some of which we may only first discover through our journey into motherhood. I am thankful to have personally traveled this path four times in my life, and to rejoice in the glow on the faces of new mothers who continue to inspire me to do this work.
Pregnancy is a transformative journey in every sense because along with the physical changes and challenges that you will encounter throughout your trimesters, there is also a huge opportunity for personal growth. I firmly believe that each pregnancy holds this gift, and that each person involved emerges from the childbirth experience an ever wiser and more loving person. This I wish for every child! As a SC licensed midwife I may provide care for healthy mothers with low risk pregnancies and their newborn babies. This is why an important part of my care centers around careful monitoring of you and your baby to identify any deviations from normal if they were to develop, and informing you of all findings at all times so that we can make changes and decisions together as needed. That said, our primary focus is not on trouble, but on being pro-active and supporting your good health. In some instances this will require the mother's willingness to make lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, dietary improvements, getting more sun and exercise, to name a few. Caring for your pregnant body and mind during pregnancy will set you up for stamina during labor, strength in birth, and a healthy baby. After all, it is you who practices prenatal care on a daily basis, and your midwife visits are for learning and sharing how (well) you're doing ;)
In my practice parents' informed choice, as well as special parental requests and traditions will be respected, provided they do not constitute unsafe conditions. I welcome partner and family participation in pregnancy and birth, as long as I can carry out my duties and it does not hinder a mother's progression in labor. In return, I expect parents to take full responsibility for their decisions and every-day health, and that they communicate any problems, questions or health concerns immediately to me. This I call partnership in care, and it is how we work best towards the birth you desire.
At a home birth we provide no pain medications. The natural labor process will have you endure discomfort unlike anything you have ever felt before, and it can be a very challenging process for some. Though it will try your endurance, you can do this! Your birth team will come alongside you with encouragement, pointers and praise, and provide physical support such as massaging your hips, wiping your sweat and tears, drawing you a bath, hydrating and feeding you, staying out of your way when that's what you want, helping your partner help you, etc. We will see you through to one of the best hours of your life!
I hope you will peruse these web pages and use the CONTACT form provided to let me know if I can assist you with your plans for your childbearing year.
