Midwife Services
Prenatal Visits
Prenatal care is preventative care during your pregnancy. Our goal is to support you to maximize the joys of pregnancy, minimize the discomforts and prevent the complications. Prenatal appointments are conducted in the comfort of your home or our office. These appointments start around 10-12 weeks and follow the standard schedule of once ever 4 weeks until 28 weeks and then every 2 weeks until 36. A home visit is completed at 36 weeks in preparation for birth and following these visits are conducted weekly until the birth of your baby.
During your first prenatal appointment, we will discuss your health and social history. A routine general physical exam is performed. We will also discuss and sign consents and financial agreements. At this visit and all the return prenatal visits following we will do a routine OB assessment which includes: fetal heart rate, your vital signs, measurements, and palpation to determine baby’s growth and position. Longer visits give us time to address your individual needs and concerns, as well as provide education and support. These visits allow us to get to know one another and help prepare you emotionally/mentally for birth and baby.
Lab draws can be collected in the office or referred to be done at your lab of choice. Ultrasounds and lab work are not a service covered in our fees, but may be ordered as your condition requires.
Labor and Birth
As midwives, we are here to support you during the birthing process. In the very early stages of labor we will often communicate over the phone. As your labor progresses and active labor is established, we will come to your home.
We practice midwifery in whatever way you desire and the situation dictates. If you need constant hands on physical and emotional support, then that is what we provide. However, if you prefer to “do your own thing,” then we are comfortable sneaking in to monitor the baby and then sneaking back out to provide you with space. Our goal is to protect your space to allow you to labor & birth as you see fit. While you labor, preparations are made for delivery. Babies are always placed skin to skin on mom’s chest as soon as they are born and we practice delayed cord clamping as a general rule. After birth you and your family will be encouraged to rest and bond with your baby. uninterrupted for the first hour at least. We will be available for breastfeeding assistance and checking on you and baby frequently. After this initial transition, a full newborn exam, clean up of the birth area, and assistance to help you freshen up are all included and will be provided at your pace. Typically this takes 3-4 hours after birth, but will continue as long as is necessary to ensure that everyone is comfortable and doing well. Prior to departure, you will be tucked into your own bed, with your beautiful baby, for some much needed relaxation.
Postpartum Period
One of the best perks of midwifery care and home birth is that your postpartum, well baby care, and breastfeeding support will be performed in your home for the first 2 weeks. We cherish being able to support your intimate “baby moon” bonding period by doing the normal postpartum assessments and procedures in your home. For a 2 week, 4 week and 6 week visit you will come to us at the office. We will always be available 24/7 for concerns and can add problem visits if required.
At the end of this period we will still always be available for emotional support, contraception or family planning needs, or well woman or problem exams as your Women's Health provider if desired.
The Newborn will transfer care to a pediatric or family medicine provider during this period.
Lactation Support
Breastfeeding support will be performed in your home for the first 2 weeks. Then if you need extra assistance we can schedule separate appointments afterwards.