Midwifery and Maternal Equity with Melissa Dean

Chicks Who Give a Hoot

In this episode, we chat about:

• Melissa's journey into the career of midwifery

• Melissa's credentials as a licensed midwife and integrative and functional medicine practitioner

• advocacy for birth justice, maternal health equity, and sustainable healthcare reform

• the difference between a doula and a midwife

• the differences in responsibilities and medical capacities

• the importance of home birth and birth center care

• emotional and physical support during and after birth

• high maternal mortality rate in the United States

• financial challenges faced by midwives and birth centers

• legislative efforts to support midwifery and birth centers

Resources + Links:

Explore Casa Natal Birth & Wellness Center at casa-natal.com Follow Casa Natal on social media Instagram: @casanatalbirthcenter Facebook: Casa Natal Birth CenterLinkedIn: Casa Natal Birth Center

Connect with Melissa Instagram: @midwife_melissa_dean LinkedIn: Melissa Dean

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Show Notes:

In this episode of The Chicks Who Give a Hoot podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Melissa Dean, a licensed midwife and the founder of Casa Natal Birth and Wellness Center in Silicon Valley. With over two decades of experience, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and an unwavering passion for birth justice, maternal health equity, and sustainable healthcare reform.

We talk about her inspiring journey from doula to midwife and what makes midwifery care so essential—especially in addressing maternal mortality and improving postpartum outcomes. Melissa breaks down the difference between doulas and midwives, sheds light on the critical role midwives play in supporting birthing people, and shares the behind-the-scenes challenges they face when it comes to insurance reimbursement and legislative barriers.

This conversation is such a powerful reminder of the transformational impact midwifery care can have—not just on individuals but on our entire healthcare system. I walked away deeply moved and incredibly hopeful, and I know you will too.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

00:59 Meet Melissa Dean

02:53 Melissa's Journey into Midwifery

05:28 Understanding Doulas and Midwives

07:01 Transition from Doula to Midwife

09:52 The Importance of Postpartum Care

14:07 Maternal Mortality and Postpartum Risks

27:54 Advocacy for Midwifery and Insurance Challenges

38:50 Final Thoughts