In the last decade, more than 50 maternity wards have closed in California hospitals. Now, state lawmakers are delivering new rules to make it easier for moms to use a midwife.

Seven-week-old Luella Rose's mom, Deanna Carrazco, chose to use a midwife at the California Birth Center in Rocklin instead of going to a hospital.

The clinic, which opened in 2019, has three private birthing suites available 24 hours a day and is staffed by midwives instead of a medical doctor.

"We take care of healthy, low-risk normal moms," said Rachel Fox-Tierney the center's clinical director. "They may be first-time moms, they may be eighth-time moms."

Fox-Tierney said most women can go home in just four to six hours after delivery, and midwives can spend more time with moms and newborns, including home vi

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