Prenatal care

Prenatal care is usually scheduled in our home office every 3 weeks until 28 weeks, every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly until the birth; and we do one home visit in the 9th month as well.

First is the consultation, then the initial visit is usually 1 1/2 hours long, and subsequent visits are approximately an hour. During this time we develop close personal relationships with each of our expectant moms and dads.

We encourage active participation and education for women and their families so they feel empowered to make informed choices about their care. We spend a lot of time talking about pregnancy, preparing for birth and taking care of the newborn, breastfeeding and family adjustment, maintaining optimal physical and emotional health throughout, discussing risks and benefits of the various options and alternatives, addressing specific needs and concerns, answering questions, and providing supportive educational material and community resources.

We assess mother's well being by a thorough and holistic health history, blood work (usually done at the first visit, 28 weeks and again at 36 weeks), physical exam (which includes monitoring weight, blood pressure and urine), and understanding the particular symptoms and feelings she is experiencing. We assess the baby by checking fetal growth, heart rate, position and movements; other testing can be done as needed or requested depending on mom's or baby's individual situation.

Information regarding our holistic approach to common problems, as well as on the many issues surrounding pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum are provided. Most problems can be prevented or dealt with simply and naturally, but supportive obstetricians, gynecologists, pediatricians and a perinatologist, as well as like minded midwives are always available for consultation or referral if needed; we also work with a wide range of alternative practitioners and childbirth professionals from doulas and childbirth educators to osteopathic physicians, acupuncturists, massage therapists, chiropractors, homeopaths and therapists.




b a c k
prenatal midwifery care  home birth  water birth  birth center  hospital assistance
post partum recovery  complementary medicine  consulting physician  birth kits