Empowering Families Through Support Amid a Strained Maternity Care System

In recent years, California has faced a maternity crisis that cannot be ignored. With 19 birth centers closing in the last four years and 46 labor and delivery units shutting down since 2012, families are confronted with a fragmented and increasingly strained maternity care system. Adding to this complexity is the departure of several prominent local midwives from practice in the Murrieta and Temecula Valley. In light of these challenges, it is more crucial than ever for expecting families to secure the right support during their birth journey.

The Impact on Expecting Families

What does this crisis mean for expecting families? With fewer options and less personalized support available, navigating the maternity care landscape has become more difficult. The need for continuous, compassionate care is greater than ever, highlighting the essential role of support systems during childbirth.

Hiring a birth doula can make a world of difference in these uncertain times. Doulas provide continuous emotional and physical support, offer expert guidance, and advocate for your needs, helping you navigate the complexities of this shifting landscape. Their role complements the care provided by medical professionals, ensuring you feel empowered and supported every step of the way.

While it’s essential to note that birth doulas are not medical professionals and their role differs significantly from that of midwives, their support is invaluable. Doulas are trained to assist you in making informed decisions and to advocate for your preferences during labor and delivery.

Don’t navigate this alone—consider hiring a birth doula to enhance your birth experience and ensure you receive the personalized care you deserve.

The Need for Change: Addressing Regulatory Issues

The current maternity crisis is not merely a result of individual circumstances; it stems from systemic issues that require urgent attention. Here are some pressing regulatory issues affecting birth centers and midwives in California:

1. Licensure Delays: One significant regulatory issue is the unnecessary time delays for the licensing of birth centers. Streamlining this process is essential for increasing the number of available care options.

2. Pathway to Licensure: Advocating for the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to adopt a pathway to licensure that recognizes national accreditation, such as the CABC accreditation, could enhance the legitimacy and accessibility of birth centers.

3. Insurance Discrimination: Insurance providers often discriminate based on credential type, limiting contracts with Licensed Midwives (LMs) and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs). Requesting fair treatment can ensure broader access to care.

4. Hospital Privileges: Current policies that require midwives to have hospital privileges to contract with health plans restrict access to care. Reforming these requirements is crucial.

5. Administrative Burden: Simplifying billing and reducing administrative burdens can help midwives focus more on patient care rather than paperwork.

6. Inflexible Building Codes: The application of OSHPD III hospital building codes to birth centers is unnecessary and imposes irrelevant costs. Birth centers focus on low-risk, natural births and should be governed by regulations that reflect their unique purpose.

Understanding the Root Causes

The maternity crisis in California can be broken down into three main categories:

1. Payment: High fixed costs and low insurance reimbursements make it difficult for birth centers to operate sustainably.

2. Regulatory Challenges: Onerous regulations surrounding licensure reform stifle the growth of birth centers and midwifery practices.

3. Workforce Shortage: A general shortage of trained professionals, compounded by high education costs and poor reimbursement policies, leads to decreased access to care.

The implications of these issues are significant. Expecting mothers are left with fewer options and less personalized support, which ultimately undermines the quality of care they receive.

Taking Action: Community Awareness and Licensure Reform

The first step toward addressing this crisis is community awareness. Families must understand the options available to them and the importance of advocating for supportive practices. Licensure reform is crucial for revitalizing the maternity care landscape in California.

How You Can Help

Here are specific contacts and pathways to consider when advocating for licensure reform and addressing the maternity crisis:

1. California Department of Public Health (CDPH)

   • Licensing and Certification Program: (916) 558-1784

   • Email: cdph_lnc@cdph.ca.gov

   • Main Office: PO Box 997377, MS 0500, Sacramento, CA 95899-7377

2. California State Legislature

   • Senate Health Committee: Chair, Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman, (916) 651-4005

   • Assembly Health Committee: Chair, Assemblymember Jim Wood, (916) 319-2002

3. Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office: (916) 445-2841

4. California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS)

   • Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly: (916) 654-3454

   • 1600 9th Street, Room 460, Sacramento, CA 95814

5. Professional Organizations

   • American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) – California Chapter

   • California Nurse-Midwives Association (CNMA): info@cnma.org

   • California Association of Licensed Midwives (CALM): info@calmidwives.org

   • California Medical Association (CMA): (800) 786-4262, info@cmadocs.org

Availability of Murrieta & Temecula Valley Midwives and Birth Centers

Are you expecting and wondering how this affects our local community? Unfortunately, we are seeing the direct effects of this crisis with a number of midwives stepping away from birthwork and birth centers closing doors, some just temporarily, thankfully! While the information below is shared direct from the source, please reach out to the midwife and/or birth center on your own to confirm availability.

NOTE: Information on local midwife availability is intended to be a useful example of how this crisis is affecting our community. This is not intended to cause anxiety or concern for expecting parents, as we still have a number of wonderful birth professionals in our valley that can help you achieve the birth you desire and deserve. 

Navigating the Path Forward

As we navigate these challenging times in California's maternity care system, the importance of supportive measures cannot be overstated. Hiring a birth doula not only enhances your birth experience but also plays a vital role in advocating for broader systemic change. Together, through community awareness and advocacy, we can work toward a healthier, more supportive environment for all families.