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Call Us: 903-622-BABY (2229)
1101 E SE Loop 323 Suite 220 | Tyler, TX 75701

Heather Carmody
LM, CPM

Licensed Midwife
Certified Professional Midwife

I’m Heather, and my story of midwifery began over 29 years ago when I first learned what a midwife was, with my first birth, I knew this was my life calling. After the birth of my second child in 1993, I started my studies with Apprentice Academics. In 2000 I began my career as a Direct Entry Midwife (DEM).

As a midwife, I am fulfilled by serving my incredible clients as their families grow. Attending births builds my trust over and over in the body’s ability to transform and heal. I respect the responsibility of being a midwife and recognize what a privilege it is to facilitate an experience that best supports my client’s wishes. I believe that educated, informed consent is the best way for families to become empowered and make the best decisions for their pregnancy.

I was born and raised in central Florida. As an adult, I had the privilege to travel and learn from midwives of diverse backgrounds all over the country. From elder midwives on the verge of retirement to new midwives, it was an unorthodox beginning that I wouldn’t trade.

On a personal level, I have 6 amazing children ranging in age from 14-29. My 3 boys were born at home and my 3 girls were born in the hospital. I have had a 28-week preemie in 1992, a cesarean in 1993 and 4 subsequent VBACs. Except for my preemie, all my babies were breastfed from 6 months to 2 years.

 

Licenses & Certifications

  • Texas Licensed Midwife
  • Certified Professional Midwife
  • Basic Life Support (CPR)
  • Neonatal Resuscitation

Experience & Background

  • Began studying midwifery in 1994 after the birth of my second child.
  • Started practicing as a DEM (Direct Entry Midwife) in 2000 with a break for personal reasons from 2005-2009
  • Births during apprenticeship ~75
  • Births post apprenticeship ~ 350
  • Transfer rate ~ 10%
  • VBAC success rate ~85%

Philosophy

  • Pregnancy is not an illness, and childbearing is a normal process. It is not usually necessary to interfere medically.
  • New babies are nowhere safer than in their mother’s care.
  • Clients should have as much control as possible in determining their care and should be encouraged to be active participants in decision making and self-care.
  • The role of the midwife is to act as a guide. This includes the education, anticipatory guidance, information, and emotional support needed for parents to make informed choices.
  • The role of the midwife is to act as a lifeguard. This involves watchfulness for deviations from normal which might jeopardize health in non-pregnant clients seeking services, or in childbearing people and their infants, and the ability to take corrective action when it becomes necessary to prevent harm to anyone in the midwife’s care.
2020 Bright Blessings Midwifery All rights reserved
1101 E SE Loop 323 Suite 220 | Tyler, TX 75701