CLEVELAND — It’s often said that it takes a village to raise a baby, but finding that support can be challenging for new moms.  

Erika Babb found that village even before giving birth to her two daughters.

Babb used a midwife for both of their births and said they were positive experiences.

Her previous experience — of losing a baby under the care of a doctor — led to her want to use a midwife. She said the doctors would not listen to her wishes.

“It was very traumatic,” Babb said.

Babb said she felt heard throughout the pregnancies with her daughters.

Nurse midwife Katy Maistros with Neighborhood Family Practice was on hand to assist with Babb’s recent childbirth.

“We’re there but we want to put the power where it belongs,” said Maistros.

Although there was a doctor available should an emergency have arisen, Babb was running the show. Maistros was there to make sure things went as the patient had hoped.

“We’re there as guardians of safety, to offer choices, to offer guidance,” said Maistros.

Maistros said she’s not alone in her endeavor and is grateful a bill passed earlier this month helps mom’s feel supported.

As of Oct. 3, 2024 doula and lactation services are now covered by Medicaid under House Bill 33.

Maistros is hopeful House Bill 7 is also passed. It will establish a registry of certified doulas and extends the Help Me Grow Program to families at risk of participating in the child welfare systems as priority recipients of home visiting services.

Babb said her care didn’t end after she went home with her second daughter. After suffering from post-partum depression with her first daughter, she said Maistros continued to check on her after the birth of her second baby.

“They really put family in family practice,” said Babb.

Correction: A previous version of this article misspelled Erika Babb's name. This has been corrected. (Oct. 30, 2024)