Preconception Counseling

It is never too early to prepare for pregnancy. We offer loving support and guidance as well as clinical knowledge as you prepare for a healthy pregnancy. Focusing on nutrition and lifestyle influences, preconception counseling may include: 

• Lab work (if needed)

• Nutritional and health counseling

• Natural fertility enhancement

• Fertility awareness and charting

• Discussing and recommending herbs and supplements

• Discussion of genetic counseling

• Creating your vision of the coming months

• Healing from cesarean birth or traumatic birth (both emotionally and physically)

Prenatal Care

Your first appointment will usually last from 60-90 minutes, during which we will complete a thorough history, a physical exam (if necessary), draw blood for routine laboratory tests, and answer your questions. After that, our midwives reserve a full hour for each subsequent appointment. If you need less time, that is absolutely fine; we find that most families enjoy this time to have all of their questions regarding pregnancy answered in an unrushed, relaxed environment. During these visits, we do all the typical assessments to ensure that both you and your baby are healthy including listening to the baby’s heartbeat, measuring the uterus, (fundal height), checking baby’s position, assessing blood pressure, and monitoring for potential complications. With extensive training in nutrition and holistic modalities, we will support your health and recommend remedies for common discomforts and complications of pregnancy. During your prenatal care, we not only provide clinical care, but we also focus on building mutual trust and preparing emotionally for your upcoming birth and parenting. We will see you approximately every 4 weeks until 28 weeks, followed by every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, and then weekly until the birth. For home births, this includes a home visit at around 36 weeks. If complications arise, we will collaborate with one of our supportive back-up physicians.

Labor and Birth Care

During early labor, you will communicate with your midwives to monitor labor progress. Typically, early labor is managed well at home by yourself, with your partner and/or doula or other support person, with the midwives regularly checking in to assess and determine the right time to come. During this time, you rest and connect with your baby, learning to relax through the first labor rushes. Once active labor begins, you will have continuous support from your midwives and their assistants. As we carefully, yet unobtrusively, monitor you and your baby, we provide gentle guidance and physical and emotional support. Should you need to transfer to the hospital during or after your labor, your midwife will be with you to ensure that the transition is safe and smooth. 

Postpartum Care

The postpartum period is often called the fourth trimester. This is a tender time where TLC in addition to clinical care is important to your and your family’s well-being. Our midwives tailor postpartum care appointment length and frequency to meet your unique needs. The first two weeks of postpartum care, with appointments between 24-48 hours after birth and 1 week and 2 weeks postpartum, take place in your home. A six week visit is scheduled at the birth center. During this postpartum time, we will assess maternal health and healing, provide emotional support, monitor the baby’s growth, and support you with breastfeeding. 

Postpartum care is also available as a la carte service for families planning birth in the hospital but needing extra support when they arrive home.