Home Birth
For healthy, low-risk women who want to give birth outside of the hospital, we support the physiologic process of labor.
Surrounded by people you trust and in the privacy of an environment that is safe, familiar, and free of excess noise, light, and interruption, you will be free to trust your body to complete a process that is made to unfold without medical intervention.
We bring all necessary equipment to your home, including oxygen, emergency medications, instruments, and supplies for taking care of you and your baby. Prior to your birth we’ll provide a list of household items to have ready and provide the link to purchase your birth kit that includes disposable items for your birth. Your birth team meeting at 36 weeks will take place in your home, where your support team can ask questions and prepare a plan for birth.
As you near your due date we’ll discuss “when to call the midwife.” Your midwife and birth assistant will arrive to your home when you are in active labor and stay a few hours after delivery.
After the birth, you will have uninterrupted hours of skin to skin and bonding with your baby in the comfort of your own bed. Before leaving, we’ll ensure both mom and baby have vital signs all within normal limits, will suture if needed, provide a gentle and full newborn examination and review provided postpartum instructions.
While most women who prepare for natural childbirth outside of the hospital go on to do so, some women will develop risks or desires during pregnancy or labor that make hospital birth more appropriate. In this case, while we do not have admitting privileges at area hospitals, we are able to help facilitate a safe transfer of care.
Similarly, if an urgent complication develops at home, such as a postpartum hemorrhage or a baby that requires assistance breathing after birth, the midwife is prepared with much of the same emergency medications and supplies that are found in the hospital.
