Why Contracts Matter — Even When They’ve Never Saved a Midwife in Court

Let’s be honest: no midwife has ever walked into a courtroom, held up her contract, and walked out cleared. That’s not how it works — and pretending it is has cost too many good women their practices, their reputations, and in some cases, their freedom.

I’ve been in birth work since 2013, and practicing as a homebirth midwife since 2018. I’ve attended over 500 births, been the primary at more than 200, and consulted on cases all across the country where the midwife, the doula, or the parent was under fire. I’ve seen what happens when things go sideways. I’ve read court transcripts, CPS reports, and board decisions. I’ve been the subject of unwarranted investigations and worked with multiple attorneys & consultants. I’ve seen how the system uses your paperwork — not to protect you, but to define you.

No, your contract won’t save you.

But the language in your contract, the escalation plan you’ve built, the disclosures your clients sign, and the intent you put on paper — those shape how the court, the board, and the state interpret your entire practice.

They aren’t just reviewing a document.
They’re reviewing you — through your contract.
Through your process.
Through every word you’ve signed your name to.

And in that moment? They’re not seeing a woman of calling and skill. They’re seeing what they think is a rogue, untrained provider — unless your paperwork makes them pause.

A strong contract won’t stop an attack.
But it can shift how the client is viewed — from victim to decision-maker.
It can clarify your role — as autonomous, non-medical, and protected under rights they often pretend don’t exist.
It can establish refusal, emergency, and backup protocols in language that preempts accusations and redirects liability.
And it can demonstrate foresight, boundaries, and professional integrity — even in states hostile to your existence.

This is what I do.
I don’t sell templates. I don’t redline fluff.
I give you the legal strategy behind the contract — based on patterns I’ve seen play out again and again in real investigations.

If you’re practicing outside licensure, outside hospitals, or outside the lines they’ve drawn, your paperwork isn’t a formality.
It’s a legal weapon.
And if you’re not using it strategically, you’re walking into battle unarmed.

I can help you fix that.

Fill out the contact form and tell me how I can help!