Your Journey with Mother's Journey 

Prenatal Care

Prenatal visits are one hour of my undivided attention.  We will track the physical progress and health of your pregnancy by checking at each visit:

• your blood pressure, pulse, and weight
• health indicators in your urine including glucose, protein, and nitrites
• fundal height (a way to measure the size of your uterus)
• baby's position
• baby's heart rate
• a review of your nutrition and exercise

I like to see my clients beginning at 12 weeks, but that is not a deadline--I accept women at any time in pregnancy.
We will follow the typical schedule of prenatal visits: monthly until 28 weeks, twice a month until 36 weeks, and weekly thereafter until birth.  Your 36-week prenatal will be at your home so I can become familiar with your birth site.  
You will also need two risk assessments, one in your first trimester and one about 36 weeks, from a physician, a CNM, or the Health Department to make sure you have no known medical concerns that would rule out homebirth. (I can help you decide where to get your assessments done.)  

Home Birth

When you are in labor, I will come to your home whenever you want me to be there, or when I feel I need to be there.  I will ask to assess your labor and baby's well-being at regular intervals, and will help you remember to rest and get plenty to drink and eat during labor.  

You can lie down, walk, sway on a birth ball, get in various positions, get in the tub or shower, etc.  I will be as involved in your labor as you want, whether that's quietly sitting in a corner giving you space,  providing hands-on labor support, or anything in between.  This is your birth, and I want you to be as comfortable as possible and will do what I can to accommodate you.

Postpartum Care

I will be with you for about three hours after birth, monitoring mom and baby, doing a newborn exam, assisting with breastfeeding as needed, making sure mom gets her healing herb bath, putting towels and linens in the washer, helping mom get settled in with food, drink, and a nap, etc.

I provide four postpartum visits to assess and support your recovery and your baby's well-being:

• 24 hours after birth at your home
• 1 week after birth at your home
• 2 weeks after birth at my office
• 6 weeks after birth at my office

I am also available for phone consultations about any postpartum or newborn care concerns you may encounter.

Services Available

• Initial history and physical examination
• Regular prenatal office visits
• Nutritional counseling
• Diagnostic tests
• Childbirth classes
• Family consultation
• Sibling preparation
• Prenatal home visit
• Support of a licensed midwife during your labor, birth and immediate postpartum period
• Water birth, as requested
• Newborn physical examination
• Postpartum home visits one day and one week following birth
• Breastfeeding assistance and support
• Postpartum office visits at two and six weeks postpartum
• Placenta encapsulation available
• Blessingways

Why home birth?

• Home birth preserves the personal, intimate nature of birth. 
• Home birth is about dads too. Being on their own turf can help dads feel more welcome and confident in being the mother's supporter and protector.
• Home birth means the opportunity to labor and/or birth in water.  The relaxation that comes from the water is very beneficial for labor progress as well as adding calm, gentleness, and comfort to the birth experience. 
• Evidence shows that home births 
  * progress faster
  * have fewer complications
  * decrease the risk of infection 
  * are more comfortable for mothers
  * are gentler on babies.