When we provide midwifery care for the pregnancy and birth of a client we realize the honor of your choice. Midwifery care is not just about the physical aspects of a prenatal visit but about the relationship and trust that grows between care provider and family. The more we know our clients and families , the better we can provide the type of care they desire for their labor and birth. We care about not only the physical health of the pregnancy but how the pregnancy and upcoming birth effect aspects of life, work and family dynamics. We desire for our clients to educate themselves along the way so they are making their best choices in the pregnancy, during the labor and birth and the days, weeks and months that follow.
We provide client home visits. In doing so we feel we are able to develop a deeper bond with each member of the family. Each person within the family gets to know us , the midwives. We are guests in your home and so are not distracted by other clients or office phone calls during your time of visit. Most of our visits run about an hour. Some clients may need more time and we are happy to provide this. We are able to accommodate time and day of visits so any member of the family who would like to take a part , may be included.
In first trimester appointment we discuss testing recommended during pregnancy. By fully understanding the reason for testing , parents may best chose , or decline tests. We also may suggest other testing depending on the mother’s health and symptoms and explain options of care that would be offered with the results that we get. This may include blood work, pap screens, STD testing, as well as genetic screening and consult to perinatologist when needed or desired. Ultrasounds are discussed and may be offered to rule out or confirm certain situations as well as confirm dating of pregnancy if necessary and check the baby’s development and growth.
At each visit we spend time answering questions and addressing any concerns which may have come up since our last visit. By explaining some common symptoms and situations that may occur before the next visit they are not surprising if noted by the client. Physical changes are only one aspect of the pregnancy that we address. The hormonal shifts necessary during the pregnancy may cause varying emotions, which may be a new experience to the client. We care about each aspect of the pregnancy and how it affects both the mother and those around her.
Prenatal visits also includes a urine test which may catch early signs of infection as well as general health. Blood pressure readings confirm the body is adapting to the physical changes of pregnancy . Measurement of the growing uterus and listening to fetal heart tones. By monitoring the weight we are assured of the positive changes that need to occur to provide for he health and growth of your baby. With each aspect of the visit we are sharing our findings with you to partner with you in the best care possible. If you have other children we welcome them in becoming our assistants and this helps normalize the pregnancy, prenatal visits and upcoming birth . If at anytime we feel need for a consult we will find the best provider for the situation .
As we enter the last trimester we assist our clients for preparing for labor and birth. We provide childbirth classes that can be a shared event with other families , or do one on one classes at the end of the prenatal visit to assist with clients who may not be able to attend scheduled classes. There are also many community and on line courses that give options for families to chose to be part of. We welcome your ideas and belief system to be incorporated into your labor and birth.
During labor we desire to oversee the process without orchestrating . Each women and couple have personal desires and beliefs regarding the labor and birth. We attempt to incorporate the monitoring of both mother and baby vital signs into the labor with little to no distraction . We carry all essential equipment to provide for any possible need during the labor and birth. Partners and other family and friends are welcome to be as involved in the process as they desire.
When the baby has birthed we prefer skin to skin care on the Mother’s chest. We practice delayed cord cutting and oversee the baby’s transition including vitals and apgar scoring without interfering with the bonding process. Though initiating breast feeding is important it doesn’t have to be rushed. By placing the baby on the chest the baby has access to explore while recovering from the work of being born and meeting it’s parents. Since the baby has had it’s nutritional needs met through the umbilical cord, most babies don’t have a need for food at this time though many will begin nursing for comfort. We also know that stimulating the breast by sucking will help bring the milk supply in. This doesn’t have to be forced but can be encouraged during the initial bonding time.
Soon the midwives step out to give the parents some private time while staying near by to step in if needed or wanted. A complete exam of the baby will be done when the parents are ready . We assist the Mother in showering while making up a fresh bed and encouraging her to eat and drink. We may stay for 2 or 3 hours, or we may stay much longer. We wont leave until the house is the way we found it, the laundry is soaking and the new parents are ready .
We return at 24 hours or a bit later if it was a middle of the night birth! At this first visit, we again give baby and Mom a complete exam. We offer and do the metabolic screening of baby, if desired and fill out the birth certificate. As in our prenatal care , the emotional and physical needs of mother are addressed. We encourage new mother’s to have no responsibilities besides caring for the newborn and themselves.
We provide 6 weeks of postpartum care for Mother and baby. This includes 2 or more visits the first week . We move to weekly visits , then space visits as the family begins to return to their normal routines and lives.