Why Homebirth
Why do families choose homebirth And How safe is it?
As providers of homebirth services, we treat our women and families with respect and believe in client autonomy. We believe in true informed consent. Cervical exams are never done (during prenatal visits or even in labor - especially when membranes have ruptured) unless there is an absolute need to know, and only after receiving consent. Movement and position changes are encouraged in labor, as is eating and drinking during this most physical time for your body. There is never pressure of time unless there is some concern for mom or baby - time and patience will nearly always result in a vaginal delivery without the addition of any medications to speed up labor. Homebirth is also healing for women who may have had a traumatic previous delivery.
Planned homebirth is as safe, if not safer, than hospital birth. Especially for those women who had very fast previous deliveries - it is much safer to be at home than to be speeding to the hospital only to deliver in the wheelchair, the lobby or the hallway, or to actually deliver your baby in the car. As homebirth midwives we carry all necessary emergency equipment and know when transport is necessary.
There’s no place like home.
Trusting Birth and Empowering Families
Pregnancy Health
A healthy pregnancy begins with a trusted and supportive relationship with your care attendants. Our first prenatal visit with you and your family typically lasts 90-120 minutes, and follow up visits may last 30-60 minutes. We take the time to address your physical and emotional needs to ensure that your prenatal experience is one that you will cherish. Visits will take place at our home-like office setting, and we will visit you in your home at 36 weeks.
Labor and Birth
Your home is the most familiar and peaceful place for you to birth your sweet baby. Both Kara and Julie will typically attend your birth together. You will have the freedom and support to invite those that you desire to attend this most awesome event. You will be encouraged to eat and drink, change positions, rest, walk, labor in a birth tub, and even deliver in the tub if you so desire. You will get to recover in your own bed to snuggle your baby. We honor our mamas, as they are the true givers of life. After your birth, we remain with you and your newborn for typically 2-3 hours.
Postpartum and Newborn Care
A return visit to your home is made 24-48 hours after your delivery, to assess you and your baby’s wellbeing. We assess breastfeeding and baby’s weight, collect the newborn screening, and gather any needed information for the filing of the birth certificate. Follow-up is then in our office at 1-2 wks, 6 wks, and at any other time that may be necessary.
After you establish care with us,
you will have 24/7 access to us through text or phone through 3 months postpartum. We then can care for all of your gynecological needs as well.