Home Birth Support

Is a midwife right for you? 

Midwives provide care for uncomplicated pregnancies and births. We consider pregnancy and birth normal, natural events that do not require routine medical intervention. A midwife is trained to respond to medical emergencies, but does not perform surgical procedures such as cesarean births.

• What you can expect from midwife services:
  Clinical prenatal care which include diet, health and wellness support (schedule to be discussed during consultation)

• 24-hour on call support from 37 to 42 weeks gestation

• Constant care during your home birth, along with an assistant

• Postpartum visits within 24 - 48 hours, 14 days postpartum, and 6 weeks postpartum

• Other support as needed based on the midwifery model of holistic care (visit link below for a more detailed description)

https://www.citizensformidwifery.org/mmoc#:~:text=The%20Midwives%20Model%20of%20Care&text=Monitoring%20the%20physical%2C%20psychological%2C%20and,and%20delivery%2C%20and%20postpartum%20support

We offer classes to prepare you for childbirth, breastfeeding, and caring for your newborn. Classes can be in group or private settings. Even if you are not planning an out-of-hospital birth, this education can be invaluable in helping you prepare for the best possible experience. 

Q - I am over 35. Am I too old for a home birth? 

A - Women should not be put in a box and stereotyped just because of age or statistical data. There are some 40 year old's in better health than 25 year old's. Each woman's circumstances should be looked at individually. 

Q - Isn't it better to be in a hospital for safety reasons? 

A - According to the American Collège of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, there are no reliable, unbiased studies to answer that. However, planned home births are associated with fewer vaginal, perineal, and third-degree or fourth-degree lacerations and less maternal infectious morbidity. Women with "low medical risk" often have better outcomes with out-of-hospital births, as there are fewer interventions which might contribute to complications. Many of the safety issues that are resolved in the hospital are caused by hospital interventions. 

Q - Can my other children be present at my birth? 

A - Yes; that's a family decision. It is suggested that a mature and trusted caregiver also be present in case the other children need attention during the birth. 

Q - Is a doula a good idea? 

A - Yes. A birth doula provides non-medical support to assist with labor prior to the arrival of the midwife. If your partner or spouse would like support while supporting you, a doula is an excellent idea! (When in doubt, hire a doula!)