If you don’t feel like you have given voice to your innermost beliefs surrounding birth just yet, ask yourself some of the following questions:
|
As Midwives, we view birth as a normal physiological process. We realize that not everyone feels the same way. If you prefer a natural approach to childbirth, we’d love to meet with you! You are welcome to choose to birth at our beautiful Birthways Family Birth Center or we will come to your home for your home birth. You decide!
|
Rest assured that interventions will only be done when needed and with your consent. When it’s time for your baby to be born, your Midwife will encourage you to follow your body for physiologic pushing. Changing positions during this time in labor is often helpful and she may suggest positions if needed.
When your baby is being born you or your partner may “catch” the baby if you choose. Your baby will be assessed in your arms. After the cord stops pulsing it can be cut by whomever you choose. Most often dads or siblings step up for this honor. If a hospital birth becomes necessary, your Midwife will transition your care to the hospital providing you with support and information to assist you in making important decisions. Birth is as unique as the person experiencing it. We congratulate you and look forward learning about the birth you desire! |
The delicate postpartum hours are a time of wonderment, joy and exploration. One of the very best things about birthing with us at Birthways is our attention to the natural flow of the postpartum time period. Our team, made up of your Midwife, Student Midwife, and/or Birth Assistant, will remain with you for the first several hours post birth, until you are ready to be on your own with your family.
During the first few hours you and your baby are closely monitored for continued health and wellness. Our midwives pride themselves on welcoming babies graciously with gentleness and love. Respect for your bonding time are of the utmost importance to us and providing you the opportunity to have your baby’s assessments done while in your arms is one of our favorite things about the work that we do. After you and your baby have nursed, we will do a full physical examination of your new family member right on the bed next to you! This is an excellent photo opportunity! A decorative birth certificate with your baby’s footprints is a sweet, personal keepsake we provide for your memorabilia. |
We recommend a visit to your chosen pediatrician within 72 hours of the birth, which can be scheduled at your convenience. We will contact your pediatrician and share your records with them for continued care of your baby. Vitamin K and erythromycin eye ointment are available for your baby if you so choose. No need to worry about the birth certificate or social security card; we take care of all the paperwork for you!
Over the 6-8 weeks following your baby’s birth we will:
|