HOME BIRTH MIDWIFERY CARE

• A 1.5 hour initial prenatal visit at my office in Columbia, PA where we spend time discussing your medical & pregnancy history, drawing labs if needed, going over informed choice documents & what you desire for your pregnancy + birth

• Monthly, hour long prenatal visits at my office or in home (bi-weekly starting @ 28 weeks, 36 week home visit, and then weekly until birth). During these visits, we have the opportunity to catch up, continue to get to know one another, answer any questions you may have, discuss your diet, draw labs or do other routine testing if desired, check your vitals & check on your baby. If needed, I’m able to give you resources or referrals for programs/services/providers/etc. as well as go over what to expect in the coming weeks and how to best prepare for your birth.

• Beginning at 37 weeks, I’m officially on call for you! Attentive care during your labor, birth, immediate postpartum and a comprehensive head-to-toe newborn examination. During your labor and birth I will monitor and assess you & the baby to ensure everything is normal and provide emotional + physical support. Waterbirth or water immersion during labor is absolutely an option for those who desire it (I have a birth tub available for rent, or you can purchase your own online). I, along with an assistant or 2nd midwife, stay roughly 2-4 hours postpartum to make sure you & baby are doing well and that the baby has successfully latched on if you are planning on breast/chestfeeding.

• Postpartum home visits at 24-48 hours, day 3 (or whenever your milk comes in), 1 week & 2 weeks, or more if necessary. During these visits I check on not only you, but the baby as well. I will complete the Newborn Metabolic Screen, go over birth certificate information, and anything else we need to cover at this time.

• 6 week postpartum visit- hold space for your birth story, assess how you’ve physically healed, a Pap smear if desired, check in how you are doing emotionally, weigh the baby, talk about any issues or difficulties you may be having, and say a proper farewell.

• I believe that it’s important to understand that prenatal care starts with yourself. As your midwife, I am here to develop a trusting relationship with you and make sure that your pregnancy continues to stay healthy & low risk. All of the choices during this pregnancy are yours. There are no right and wrong answers as to which tests to do or not do. I am here to give you the information needed to make informed choices, answer your questions, and hold a safe space for you.

CUSTOMIZABLE PRENATAL/ POSTPARTUM CARE FOR THOSE CHOOSING TO BIRTH UNASSISTED OR IN THE HOSPITAL

Whether you are choosing to free birth at home or birthing in a hospital, you are still able to receive compassionate, individualized midwifery care prenatally/ postpartum. We can do as little or as many visits as YOU would like.