Leigh Fransen, LM, CPM

Leigh Fransen, LM, CPM: I grew up in Charlotte, NC and have also lived in Texas, California, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Florida. In 2003 I gave birth to my first daughter in a hospital with the help of my husband, two doulas, a family practice doctor, and (to my shock!) no drugs or epidural. I was elated with my experience. I had grown up full of fear of natural birth. Once I found out the truth, that natural birth can be a beautiful and empowering experience, and that it is healthier for the mother and her baby, I wanted to share it with as many women as possible.

I attended the International School of Midwifery in Miami, Florida. I was trained in one of the nation’s busiest midwife-run birth centers, the Miami Maternity Center. I have been married for ten years to Eric and we have two little girls, the second born in the water at the birth center in Miami. Our family relocated to Fort Mill, South Carolina in 2008 and I became a South Carolina Licensed Midwife. Due to the support and demand of the Charlotte community, my dream of opening a birth center came true less than a year after I moved to the area!  I want the women of Charlotte to have every opportunity to experience a healthy, natural birth in a supportive and loving environment.