ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. — More women are opting for midwives and home births amid the coronavirus pandemic.

While Gov. Cooper continues to urge people to stay home, midwife Michelle Rhude says that can be one of the safest places to have a baby right now.

“During this time it’s actually keeping the healthy people out of the hospital and allowing the people that need to be at the hospital get the care that they need,” said Rhude, a midwife of more than 20 years.

She has delivered thousands of babies and says her business at Bella Donna Midwifery in Jacksonville only takes on clients who are low-risk. 

Since the coronavirus pandemic, she says women are calling more frequently to explore their options.

Rhude says she is currently seeking to hire a second midwife to help with the increase in demand.