Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Harris.
Hi Mary, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into midwifery began with a deep curiosity about the power of birth — the strength to create, to heal, and to transform. I was drawn to the idea that birth could be both safe and sacred — that it didn’t have to be confined to institutions, but could unfold in homes and communities surrounded by people you trust. That belief led me to the International School of Midwifery in Miami Beach, where I trained in direct-entry midwifery and became licensed in Florida in 2000.
From the very beginning, I knew I wanted to build a practice that centered informed choice, respect, and equity. So I founded A Loving Start, a community-based midwifery practice in South Florida. Over the past 25 years, I’ve supported hundreds of families through pregnancy, home birth, and postpartum — always with the belief that families deserve to be partners in their care, not passive participants.
Throughout my career, I’ve also been deeply committed to education and mentorship. I’ve served as a clinical preceptor for midwifery students across Florida since 2004, and from 2019 to 2024, I taught at the Florida School of Traditional Midwifery, helping prepare the next generation of midwives to enter the field with confidence, integrity, and compassion.
Today, my work continues to evolve. I’m finding ways to use my decades of hands-on experience and deep understanding of Florida’s laws to advocate for clarity, fairness, and integrity in how midwifery is represented. For me, it has always been about the same guiding principle — ensuring that birth work is led by skill, compassion, and respect for every family’s story.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like many midwives, my path has been deeply rewarding but far from smooth. Working in community-based midwifery means navigating systems that don’t always understand or value out-of-hospital birth. There have been times when collaboration with hospitals was challenging, and times when standing firm in defense of client autonomy or evidence-based care felt isolating.
Running a midwifery practice also means wearing many hats — clinician, educator, business owner, and advocate — often with limited resources and around-the-clock responsibility. Balancing that level of commitment while maintaining self-care and sustainability hasn’t always been easy.
But every challenge has reinforced my purpose. Those experiences have taught me to advocate not only for my clients but also for midwives themselves — for better understanding, clearer communication, and a healthcare system that recognizes the value of respectful, physiologic birth. It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it has been an incredibly meaningful one.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My practice, A Loving Start, is a community-based midwifery practice located in South Florida. For over 25 years, I’ve specialized in providing full-spectrum midwifery care — from prenatal visits and home birth to postpartum and newborn care. My goal has always been to create a space where families feel informed, supported, and truly seen.
What sets A Loving Start apart is the emphasis on relationship-based, individualized care. I spend time getting to know each family — their values, their hopes, their concerns — so that their care is guided not only by evidence, but by trust and mutual respect. Every appointment, every birth, is approached as a collaboration. I believe that informed consent and shared decision-making are not just legal requirements — they are the foundation of ethical, compassionate care.
I’m also known for blending clinical excellence with emotional and cultural sensitivity. Birth is not one-size-fits-all, and my approach honors both the science and the spirit of the process. Over the years, my practice has become a trusted place for those seeking personalized, safe, and empowering care, particularly for families who want a home birth experience that feels both grounded and sacred.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that A Loving Start reflects my core values — professionalism, respect, and humanity. It’s more than a practice name; it’s a promise. I want readers to know that midwifery care is not just about catching babies — it’s about building confidence, supporting families, and advocating for birth as a powerful, normal, and transformative experience.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Absolutely — none of this work happens in isolation. Midwifery is built on community, and I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by people who have guided, supported, and inspired me throughout my journey.
My mentors in midwifery — those who taught me not just the skills, but the heart of this work — laid the foundation for everything I do. Their wisdom and example taught me that being a good midwife isn’t only about clinical competence; it’s about listening deeply, respecting families, and standing firmly in integrity even when it’s hard.
I’m also deeply grateful to the midwives and students I’ve worked alongside over the years. Teaching and precepting have reminded me that mentorship is reciprocal — I’ve learned as much from my students as they have from me. Their passion, curiosity, and courage to step into this calling give me hope for the future of the profession.
And of course, my clients and their families deserve so much credit. They’ve trusted me with some of the most sacred moments of their lives and, in doing so, have shaped me into a more patient, compassionate, and grounded provider. Each family teaches me something new about strength, resilience, and love
I also want to acknowledge the broader midwifery community in Florida for their ongoing advocacy and unity. Our collective work continues to push for progress, representation, and access to safe, respectful birth options for all families.
It truly takes a village to sustain this work, and I’m endlessly thankful for mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alovingstart.com
- Instagram: @maryharrismidwife
- Youtube: @maryharrismidwife
