Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Cerami.
Hi Michelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey to midwifery began with the birth of my first son. Under the care of midwives at a birthing center, I had the opportunity to experience my own natural, physiological birth. A few years after becoming a mother, I stepped into doula work. Being an eyewitness to inhumane hospital birth practices firsthand was heartbreaking. I knew I loved supporting women in birth, but I could not participate in a system that often traumatizes women and newborn babies. I quickly changed course and applied to The Florida School of Traditional Midwifery. Without a clear plan of how I could attend a school 4 hours from home and without financial means, I took a leap of faith because I knew in my soul this was meant for me. After completing a 4-year academic program coupled with apprenticeship and becoming a mom for a second time, I began serving women in South Florida in private practice as a licensed midwife.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have faced all the challenges that come with starting my own business. Being self-employed comes with many risks when you have a family to support. I was a single mother for many years during this journey, and the pressure of financial responsibility was intense.
I have had to navigate living my life on-call, as birth is unpredictable and happens at any hour of the day or night. This has no doubt caused stress on my family at times and caused me to miss events and holidays. But we make it work, and my children have gained understanding around the nature of my work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about East Coast Midwifery?
At East Coast Midwifery, we specialize in family-centered home birth midwifery. We care for women throughout pregnancy, during labor and birth, and postpartum. We offer additional perinatal services such as childbirth education, breastfeeding support, placenta encapsulation, and fertility counseling. Our practice is rooted in holistic mother-baby care. In our space, the pregnant woman is centered, her intuition is honored, her words are respected, and she is truly supported.
Any big plans?
I wish to continue to serve families in my community as a midwife. I am planning to expand my educational offerings with more classes and workshops. Focus more on fertility and preconception counseling. And I am on my path to becoming an IBCLC. With this credential, I hope to reach more women seeking lactation support.
Pricing:
- Midwifery Care Package $7500
- Childbirth Education Course $400
- Placenta Services $400
- Lacation Consultation $225
- Fertility Awarness Coaching $2250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eastcoastmidwifery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastcoastmidwifery/
Image Credits
Francesca Bliss Photography
Paulina Splechta Birth Photography
