Local midwives offer different childbirth methods

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — An age-old tradition is making a comeback. And many women in Michiana are benefiting from it.

Midwives of Michiana is providing women with more options than just your typical child birth. And they tell ABC57 that they're seeing a big spike in couples using their services.

Mercedes Moran says she helps empower women searching for something other than traditional child birth.

"If they want to move, that's us," says Moran. "If they want to get in the tub, get into the shower, that's us."

They also monitor women all the way up to that special day.

Moran says people from all over Michiana make the trip to South Bend for her team's services. However, she notes many associate them with the days of the past.

"One of the myths is that we don't provide pain relief and that's just not true," say says. "We provide non-intervention pain relief as in hydrotherapy."

Aside from non-traditional care, they are working through the night. 

Moran says they need to be ready at a moment's notice. To her, that's just part of the job.

"When I get a call, I am ready to go," she says. "It doesn't matter what time. It's not a task, it's not a chore—it's an honor."

And Moran says they have not forgotten about the men either. They say you are more than welcome to come on in and lend a helping hand.

"They cut the cord, sometimes they get to deliver the baby," says Moran. "They're right there with mom."

Their office is also just across the street from Memorial Hospital. So, if a women needs a c-section or some other type of medical help, doctors are just a moment away.