My Services:

Consultation Visit:   After we talk on the phone or e-mail, we can set up a time and place to meet. We will sit down and discuss questions you have about homebirth and other general questions.  This is where we interview each other and find out if we are a good fit.  Your partner should be present so they can discuss their questions as well.  If everyone is happy at the end of the meeting, we can move forward and set up the Initial Visit.  This appointment can last 2 hours or more. 

Initial Visit:   During this visit, we will discuss things like your health, nutrition, the roll of your midwife and go over the forms that you will need to fill out including fees and a payment plan.  We will talk about any symptoms you are presently experiencing and how to cope with them.  Have your questions ready! At this visit, we will also do your first prenatal check and establish your estimated date of delivery.

Prenatal Appointments:  I will see you monthly until 28 weeks.  After 28 weeks, I will see you every two weeks until you reach 36 weeks.  At 36 weeks, I will see you weekly until your baby is born.  I schedule these visits to last one hour but of course, they can be shorter or longer depending on your needs.  At 37 weeks you will also receive your birth kit.  All prenatal appointments will be in-home visits unless other arrangements are discussed.  A routine prenatal appointment will consist of a urine test,  the use of a Doppler or fetoscope to listen to your baby’s heart, palpation to determine position of the baby, measuring your belly with a tape measure to see how the baby is growing and a check of your vitals. I will also answer any questions you may have. 

Birth:  I am on call for you 24 hours a day between 37 weeks and 2 weeks postpartum.   At your birth, I will be monitoring you to make sure your labor progresses the way it should.  I will be taking the baby’s heart tones, charting, making sure you are hydrated and nourished and offer labor support.  I will try to be in the background as much as possible so that you do not feel “watched.”  Of course, if you need extra support, I am happy to provide that as well.  After the birth, I will do a newborn exam to make sure your baby is healthy and everyone is well.  Typically I will stay about 3 hours after the birth to clean up, give you postpartum instructions and to answer any questions you have.

Post Partum:  I will visit you approximately six times after your baby is born.  The first visit will be when your baby is 24 hours old.  Subsequent visits will be at 3 days, 7 days, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks.   During the first couple of visits, I will check to see that your uterus is firm and make sure that breastfeeding is established and going well.  I will ask you about your recovery, make sure you have support and to see how you are adjusting.  During the last couple of visits, we will talk about the signs of Postpartum Depression and other emotional issues.  I will also fill out the paperwork you will need to obtain a birth certificate.  I am always available during office hours and e-mail at the end of your care if you need me.

Classes:   In these classes you will learn what the signs of labor look and feel like, when to call me, different coping strategies for contractions, the stages of labor and how labor in general progresses.  We will discuss care for you and your newborn in the immediate postpartum period as well as tips for successful breastfeeding.  The bulk of the class will center around having an undisturbed labor and undistrubed first hour postpartum.  These classes can be in private as part of your prenatal appointment or a 4 hour class during a non-holiday weekend.  Classes are held once every 4 months in February, June and October.

Fees:  The global rate for my service is $2300.  This fee includes all of your prenatal appointments, attendence at your birth, postpartum appointments, birth kit and classes.  It also includes a second midwife (2 midwives for the price of one!) and the option of having my apprentice attend your birth.  I offer a 10% discount if you pay in full prior to 32 weeks.  I am also willing to work out a payment plan with you.  This very exciting time should not focus around money or affordability.  I will work with you in any way I can to insure that you have the birth you want. 

*For your convenience, payments can be made in the form of cash, check, or charge through paypal.