Midwifery Care

Midwives are experts in low risk normal pregnancy and birth. Whether you start care in your first trimester or your third, I will work with you and your family throughout your pregnancy to provide education, informed choice, connection with your baby, and support your wellbeing. We will meet for all of our visits in your own home! Prenatal visits are typically 45-90 mins long, which allows us plenty of unrushed time to discuss your questions and concerns as well as getting to know each other. This is one of the most special traits of midwifery care. We are able to build trust and confidence with each other during your pregnancy that becomes invaluable during your labor and birth. I provide family based care, which means everyone is invited to participate!

You are more than just a belly. With a holistic approach throughout care, we’ll discuss how you’re nourishing your body and baby, encourage activity and movement, seek solutions for stressors and concerns, explore your options for tests and screenings so you can make the best choice for yourself and baby, discuss building your community and support systems, prepare for postpartum life, build connection with your partner and kids, and dive into the emotional waters of this vulnerable and exciting season.

As we enter into your home birthing window (37-42 weeks in California), we will remain in close contact. We will discuss what signs to look for as labor begins. When you’re in active labor (moving and grooving, working hard!) my birth team and I will arrive to support, care for, and monitor you and baby. We check your vital signs, listen to your baby’s heartbeat, and encourage you to stay rested and nourished throughout your labor. We will encourage you to move freely and have as much support as you’d like. Your children, doula, and/or other support people are always welcome at births. Many choose to labor in the water for relaxation. Once baby is born, we protect your space to encourage skin to skin time together and generally wait 2 hours to do a head to toe examination on baby. Every person on the birth team is certified in neonatal resuscitation and has experience with other complications. Should you or your baby need additional attention, we are ready and prepared to care for you. We stay for an average of 4-6 hours after birth to provide initial breastfeeding support, monitor your transition, and clean up.

After your your baby is born, nourishing your body and bonding with your baby are the most important things to do! Postpartum visits are an essential part of your care. I will come to your home several times during the first two weeks to check on you, your healing, your family, weigh baby, assist with breastfeeding challenges, provide education, discuss any issues that have come up, and provide resources. Postpartum visits continue as often as needed for the first 3 months and then every 3 months until your baby’s first birthday. A full year of postpartum care and support!