Initial Interview
Our initial interview is a chance for us to get acquainted. We will share our values around birth, get a taste of each other's personalities, and go through any questions you have. This interview is free and lasts about one hour. I always recommend interviewing at least two midwives, and I am happy to recommend others I trust and enjoy working with if you would like.
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For this visit, and for all of your visits, I will come to you in your home.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care with me is very thorough, and appointments are long enough to answer all questions and spend time on education and connection. We can initiate care as early in pregnancy as you are ready, and will begin with appointments every four weeks. From 28-36 weeks gestation we will meet every two weeks, and then every one week from 36 to 41 weeks, with more frequent appointments after that if we reach that time.
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During your appointments we will discuss how you are feeling, and check your vital signs and your baby's heart sounds and growth. Early appointments focus primarily on pregnancy health, with a greater focus on birth and postpartum preparation as the time nears. I offer laboratory tests and ultrasound referrals just like an obstetrician does. The difference is I will always go over which labs and scans I recommend and why.
Birth
We will be in close contact as your due window approaches. When your labor is in full swing, I will join you and your chosen support people in your home, along with one or two birth assistants. I will monitor and support your coping, check your vitals and baby's heart sounds, and keep watch to ensure all is moving along normally. I am very experienced with water birth and would love to support you laboring and/or birthing in water if you wish.
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Following the birth of your baby, I will help the two of you settle in and monitor you both to be sure you are doing well. I will examine baby head-to-toe, and help you establish feeding according to your wishes. Usually stitches are not needed after birth, but if they are I am qualified to suture most tears.
Postpartum & Newborn Care
I provide thorough postpartum and newborn care for the first six weeks postpartum, with additional follow-up by request. Most clients receive five to six combined postpartum and newborn care visits, with the first at 24-48 hours following birth. At each visit I examine baby, check your vitals and uterine recovery, and discuss emotional health, nutrition for you and baby, and family dynamics and other topics as appropriate.
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I truly love these visits, and consider them to be the biggest difference between home birth midwifery care and any other model. You truly just receive more care. More time, more visits, more attention, compassion, and support. And it makes for a much smoother transition and healthier beginning for you and your family.
Lactation Consultation
A huge part of my training and experience as a doula, parent, and midwife, is in lactation support during the early weeks. All of my midwifery clients may call on me at any hour for lactation support during those first six weeks. I also offer home visit lactation consultant services for anyone in my service area who is struggling in the first weeks with a new baby. It's my goal to give you the tools meet your goals.