What to expect during prenatal visits?
This is our opportunity to build a relationship of trust and understanding, explore your birth plan/vision together, and prepare ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually for your birth. You will have access to my tools, and I can help assist you in using them- blood pressure cuff, fetoscope, tape measurer, doppler. Beginning at 5 months of your pregnancy we will have monthly prenatal visits before your estimated due date in order to explore and discuss your priorities and any fears or concerns; and to plan how I can best support you. During the prenatal visits we will review your preferences for labor and birth. I will ask about your knowledge of the birth process, your own personal ways of coping with pain, fatigue, and difficult situations, what your expectations are of your partner and myself, plus the roles of anyone else who will be attending the birth. We can discuss any fears and concerns you have regarding labor and birth. My goal is to help you have a satisfying birth as you define it. The more we explore this in advance, the better I will be able to fulfill this role. I may lend you books or suggest online resources to aid you in preparing your mind, body, and spirit for birth.
What to expect during your labor?
Continuous labor support from the moment you notify me, including regular phone calls and text message check-ins until I join you at the birth location. My continual presence and physical, emotional, and practical support during your birthing time and up to 3 hours after birth. Access to contents of my birth bag including fetoscope, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, cord clamps, tape measurer, gloves, mirror, ambu bag, birth kit, emesis bags, essential oils for topical use and/or aromatherapy, birthing ball, massage oil and tools, reflexology comb, eye mask, headband headphones, electric heating pad, handheld fan, herbal tinctures, hand held mirror, sling and scale… Photos and/or videos as previously agreed upon.
What to expect during postpartum visits?
In-home postpartum visits of 2 hours each, supporting you and your family in whatever ways you need, from light housework, entertaining older children, meal preparation, newborn care, birth processing, breastfeeding support, and physical and emotional support. Unlimited borrows from my lending library. 1 notarized witness letter for use in acquiring birth certificate and social security number for your baby. Additional postpartum visits can be added at a rate of $50 per hour.