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Home Birth

People are drawn to home birth for many reasons. Some were born at home themselves or know others who’ve had home births, some were inspired by The Business of Being Born or Ina May Gaskin, some have done extensive research on the safety of birth in various settings, or took classes in college exploring cross-cultural birthing traditions. In the end, most people who arrive at the decision to birth at home have an intuitive sense that home is the most comfortable place to labor. They are drawn to home birth because they are seeking a personalized, intervention-free, gentle birthing experience.

 

The tradition of home birth is rooted in the philosophy that birth is a normal, physiologic process for women who are healthy, low-risk, and experiencing an uncomplicated pregnancy. Home birth midwives and home birthing families are not inherently anti-doctor, anti-hospital, or anti-technology. Rather, home birth midwifery is a path for those who recognize value in judicious use of obstetric skills, hospital resources, and technological intervention.

 

Whether you are just warming up to the idea of a home birth or you have known for a long time that you wanted to have your babies at home, feel free to contact us for a free consultation. Everyone expecting a baby should know their options before choosing a provider or a birthing location. We are happy to answer any and all questions you may have at an in-person consultation.

Home Birth Midwifery Care Includes...

Comprehensive

Prenatal Care

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We offer our clients full access to screenings, ultrasound, and lab work on the same schedule as hospital-based providers.​ Most procedures can be done in the comfort of your home or our office.

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Prenatal appointments are typically an hour long. Most of the time is spent getting to know one another, discussing upcoming testing options, troubleshooting common discomforts, discussing wellness in pregnancy, and preparing for birth and life with a baby. We also have a wide network of allied health providers and can refer you for additional services as needed. 

 

Aside from discussion, we do many of the same clinical tasks that would take place in any other setting, including taking vitals, checking urine, palpating baby’s position, measuring the belly to gauge growth, and listening to the baby’s heart beat.

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Continuous Support in

Labor & Birth 

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Labor support is tailored to individual clients’ needs. When labor is supported in the comfort of home with a team clients know and trust, it is amazing how strong and empowered people feel through the process.  It is rare to transfer for pain medication alone. We have many tricks to make labor more comfortable, including birth tub rentals.   

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Postpartum Care

for Client and Baby

We typically stay for 3-4 hours following the birth of the baby.  We honor these sacred hours with your little one by maintaining a calm, quiet atmosphere while you bond as a new family.  We unobtrusively monitor client and baby to safeguard the physical transitions, and we will not leave unless we are completely confident that both are stable and ready for a cozy nap!  

 

Our postpartum care in the following weeks sets us apart from standard medical care.  We see clients for 6 visits in the weeks following birth to assess and offer guidance for:

  • Well-baby care, including monitoring growth

  • Lactation
  • Perineal healing
  • Emotional and physical transitions
  • Referrals to a large network of professionals if further expertise is needed
  • Well person care (optional): Pap testing, Breast & Pelvic Exam, Full Physical Exam

Safety is of paramount importance to us. We monitor client and baby closely in labor to ensure that both remain healthy throughout the process.  If the decision is made to transport to the hospital, one or both of midwives will accompany you and remain through 1-2 hours postpartum. In these cases, we transition from the role of care provider to the role of advocate/doula. In-home postpartum care with our practice continues upon your return home.

To read more about the safety of home birth, see these research studies

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