Membership The Family Door
A midwife-led care model: continuous, close and coordinated by a dedicated midwife.
What the midwife-led care model is
Midwife-led obstetric care means the midwife is the lead professional who manages the pregnancy, supports mother and baby, and coordinates access to other specialists when needed. In Portugal the most common model is led by an obstetrician, with shorter appointments and less continuity.
Comparative benefits
| Aspect | Midwife-led model (The Family Door) | Traditional model (obstetrician only) |
|---|---|---|
| Lead professional | Midwife follows you continuously | Multiple professionals, less continuity |
| Appointment time | Longer appointments, more time to listen | Shorter appointments, more focused on tests |
| Direct access | Regular, direct communication whenever needed | Contact usually only during scheduled appointments |
| Coordination | Nurse coordinates with other professionals | Parents have to manage referrals themselves |
| Approach | Holistic, preventive, focused on wellbeing | More focused on complications and pathology |
What the scientific evidence says
Studies show that care models led by a midwife are associated with:
- Fewer medical interventions during birth (fewer episiotomies, fewer unnecessary C-sections)
- Lower risk of prematurity and low birth weight
- Greater maternal satisfaction with the birth and care experience
- Better emotional wellbeing postpartum, with fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Higher breastfeeding rates and success at initiation
- Greater partner involvement in the pregnancy and parenting journey
This model doesn't replace the obstetrician when needed - it complements them with closer, more proactive, family-centred support.
How continuous support works
Each family has a dedicated midwife who:
- Follows the pregnancy closely and continuously
- Ensures regular, direct communication whenever needed (online, phone, video)
Home visits also available in certain regions; travel costs apply.
- Identifies needs and refers you to the right professionals
- Coordinates with doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, doulas and IBCLCs
- Works as a multidisciplinary team to reduce contradictions and confusion
Couples can talk to this nurse regularly and whenever needed - through online channels, calls or video calls - without waiting for the next scheduled appointment.
Want to know which topics we cover in each visit? See them here.
Plans and pricing
Membership includes:
- Direct, unlimited access to your dedicated midwife
Regular, direct communication whenever needed - online, by phone or video.
- Direct, unlimited access to a family doctor
Support for more holistic maternal health - not only what the obstetrician sees. If the mother has other complications, symptoms or general health questions, the family doctor ensures more complete wellbeing.
- 1 appointment per quarter with a nutritionist throughout pregnancy and postpartum
Nutritional follow-up and a plan tailored to the mother's needs while she grows a life.
- 1 appointment with an IBCLC specialist postpartum
Support to overcome breastfeeding difficulties.
Why invest in a continuous support model
Pregnancy and postpartum are phases of great change - not only physical but also emotional, nutritional and relational. A traditional model of one-off obstetrician visits doesn't cover all these dimensions.
The Family Door membership ensures:
a professional who knows your story and follows you over time.
early identification of needs, before they become problems.
less confusion, fewer contradictory messages between professionals.
direct communication when you need it, without waiting for scheduled appointments.
complete maternal health, not only what the obstetrician sees.
Got questions? We've got answers.
Next steps
Book an intro conversation
Meet your dedicated nurse and learn how the model can support your family.
Become a member
Start getting continuous support today, with a team that works together for the wellbeing of mother, baby and couple.
Join now