Midwifery Care
Pregnancy
Prenatal visits are currently done in your home. The initial appointment is scheduled around 10-12 weeks, prenatal visits are scheduled monthly until the start of third trimester, every other week until full term, and every week until birth. At the initial visit, we review your chart and health history in addition to completing the clinical component of care. Routine labs and referrals for ultrasounds are provided. Each of the following prenatal visits allow for adequate time to discuss pregnancy, birth, postpartum and newborn education and planning; reviewing nutrition and lifestyle; discussing informed consent on standard procedures; addressing your questions and concerns; and determining your preferences for your labor/birth based on your individual needs, wishes and circumstances. Childbirth education sessions specifically geared to families birthing at home are offered once each season for upcoming due dates. A full term home visit includes a tour of your birth space, receiving the birth kit and birth tub, and reviewing the checklist of gathered birth supplies, as well as the routine clinical care of you and your baby. As a client, you have direct access to your midwife throughout the course of your care.
Labor and Birth
Your midwife and birth assistant are on call for your birth starting at 37 weeks until your baby is born. We are in regular contact throughout early labor, and arrive to your birth space to provide midwifery support according to your individual needs and determined preferences once active labor has been established. For hands-on support starting in early labor, hiring a doula is recommended. A birth pool is provided at the full term home visit, if you are interested in the option of laboring/birthing in water. We are happy to help facilitate partners, siblings, friends and family to be engaged in your homebirth experience according to your expressed wishes.
During labor, you and your baby's health, safety and well-being is our top priority. We provide constant risk assessment through observation and clinical care while respecting your autonomy and personal preferences for support. We monitor you and your baby's vital signs throughout labor and the initial postpartum period, address and discuss with you any risk factors that might present, manage complications that may arise, and collaborate with other care providers for appropriate care when indicated and/or requested. Additionally, we encourage adequate nourishment and hydration, provide emotional support, and can offer comfort and positional recommendations. A complete newborn exam is performed by your side, and care for both you and your baby continues through the initial postpartum period. Placenta encapsulation and other remedies are also available.
During labor, you and your baby's health, safety and well-being is our top priority. We provide constant risk assessment through observation and clinical care while respecting your autonomy and personal preferences for support. We monitor you and your baby's vital signs throughout labor and the initial postpartum period, address and discuss with you any risk factors that might present, manage complications that may arise, and collaborate with other care providers for appropriate care when indicated and/or requested. Additionally, we encourage adequate nourishment and hydration, provide emotional support, and can offer comfort and positional recommendations. A complete newborn exam is performed by your side, and care for both you and your baby continues through the initial postpartum period. Placenta encapsulation and other remedies are also available.
Postpartum
Postpartum care continues with home visits between 24-36 hours after birth, and around days 3 and 10. Office visits are scheduled around 3 weeks and 6 weeks, with additional visits as indicated or requested to provide care suited to you and your baby's needs. Each postpartum appointment includes care for both you and your baby, and may cover discussions around healing and physical recovery, feeding your baby, sleeping patterns, mood and emotional adjustment evaluations, parental relationships and transitions, sibling adjustment, fertility, and any other matters you would like to address regarding you and your baby's care and experience. Additionally, an initial visit with a lactation consultant in your home is included with midwifery services during the first week postpartum. Baby's birth certificate is filed and a social security number is requested. The CCHD, hearing screen and metabolic screens are performed while you hold your baby.
In Case of Transfer
Homebirth is a safe option for healthy people experiencing a low-risk pregnancy with a healthy baby. If at any time during care it becomes necessary or is requested, we will facilitate a transfer as smoothly as possible to the appropriate provider according to the situation. A change in the location of birth does not end services; midwifery care will continue for both you and your baby until completion of care at 6 weeks postpartum.
Additional Services
Prenatal and postpartum appointments are available for families choosing to birth in the hospital, who are also seeking traditional midwifery care throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
Wellness, Fertility and Pre-Pregnancy Care
Informational and educational support regarding options are available, specifically created for each individual person to help achieve, or avoid, pregnancy based on personal preferences, background and history provided. IUI services are available in your home. Respectful care for breast/chest exams, PAP, and STI testing available, including client directed exams for increased comfort and control. Initial appointment and follow ups available. Referrals as needed. Lab work is separate and additional.
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