10/27/2026
Something controversial that should not be controversial. Informed choice goes both ways. You make choices for your and your family’s health and safety, and I make choices for mine.
Performing the standard screen for bloodborne pathogens (HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C) with my clients’ initial prenatal labs is a firm boundary for me. During your care, especially your birth, me and my assistants are exposed to your bodily fluids.
If I were to be exposed to a bloodborne pathogen, that places all of the people I care most about (pictured) at risk. I’m not willing to risk their health in that way. You don’t believe there’s any way you could have been exposed? Well that’s great, but not something I’m willing to stake my family’s health on.
I don’t pick and choose who I believe should be screened. There is no risk in including this in your prenatal labs. For clients that do not have insurance to cover this testing, I pay for it out of my own pocket, because it is so important to me.
If a client is not okay with my boundaries to protect myself, my birth assistants, and my family, then I am not the right midwife for them.
I am grateful that this has not been a big issue with my clients, thanks for helping me protect my family ❤️