Prenatal Care:

My role is to support and guide you through your pregnancy and birth. I provide information and education. This allows you to actively participate in your own care, make informed decisions and take responsibility for your own health. I encourage your family to participate in your care as much as you are comfortable.  I have found that when your family participates in your care during the pregnancy they feel more relaxed and secure when I arrive for your birth.

Prenatal Visits: Visits usually last thirty minutes. This allows plenty of time to talk, answer questions and discuss your concerns. I want you to feel prepared for childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting.  Prenatal visits include checking your blood pressure and urine, listening to baby’s heartbeat, palpating the baby’s position and measuring your baby’s growth.

Home Prenatal Visits: For an additional fee ($500.00) I will come to your home for all appointments throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period.  Many women appreciate this option (especially those with small children).  These appointments are just like the prenatal visits listed above, except that they are in your own home.

Appointment Scheduling: You will be advised of what times prenatal clinic is being held and you are responsible for coming to clinic.  I would like to see you once a month until you reach your 36th week and then I would like to see you every 2 weeks. 

Midwifery Team:

I believe in Apprenticeship Training.  Therefore, I work with a team of student midwives that act as my assistants.  They are exceptional women, who have the same beliefs and ideas that I have about the birthing process.  We all believe it is a normal, natural and safe journey.  I do everything that I can to make certain that you have met everyone on your birthing team BEFORE your labor begins!

Waterbirth:

Waterbirth and hydrotherapy are encouraged during labor.  85% of our ladies use some form of hydrotherapy.  I am experienced with waterbirth from both inside and outside the tub.

Homebirth:

When your contractions begin or your bag of water breaks you should contact me.  During early labor you may choose to have one of the student midwives come over to act as your doula, you may choose to have private time with your partner or family (and just keep in touch with me as things progress) or you may want the whole team to head over.

You may have anyone you desire at your birth, including siblings, friends, and family.

I encourage you or your partner to be the one to “catch” the baby.

Once the baby is born, he or she goes directly into Mom’s arms.  There is usually no rush to clamp or cut the umbilical cord.

I’ll help mother and baby with initial breastfeeding and give your family time to bond.

After the birth, I make sure you have something to eat, examine you and the baby, and assist in the clean up process.

I stay as long as is needed after the birth (at least 2 hours) to be certain both mother and baby are stable.

I’ll explain what to expect after birth and am available 24 hours a day to address any concerns that may arise.

I will file the paperwork for your child's birth certificate and Social Security Number.

Newborn and Postpartum Care:

I will come to your home in the first week after the birth of your baby.  I will come to your home again if there is a need, otherwise, you will come to the office for postpartum visits as needed after that (usually at 3 weeks and 6 weeks).