| |
What to Expect
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Home Birth
|
Water Birth
|
VBAC
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
FREE CONSULTATIONS
We have a preliminary meeting to define your needs and find the best care provider for you.
FEES AND INSURANCE
CASELOAD
Our practice remains small to ensure we focus on the individual needs of each client and to ensure our
availability when prenatal, birth, and postpartum needs arise. We have midwifery back-up for those rare
occasions when women go into labor at the same time.
PRENATAL VISITS
Routine prenatal visits last an hour or more, enabling us to build a relationship involving trust, support and
information. Visits are held at my home/office once a month until your pregnancy reaches 28 weeks, then
every two weeks until you are 36 weeks, then once a week until the baby is born. Routine procedures
include:
blood pressure
measuring your abdomen
checking for protein or glucose in your urine
monitoring your weight
listening to your baby's heart beat
checking the position of your baby
other treatments or procedures
COMPLETE CARE DURING BIRTH
During your birth we practice “watchful guarding” of the natural process, offering sensitive support and
gentle encouragement, while ensuring the safety and well-being of both you and your baby.
POSTPARTUM CARE
This includes home visits as needed in the first week and one office visit up to 6 weeks.
BABY CARE
We do a newborn baby exam within the first two hours after birth – right on your bed next to you. We don't
separate babies from their mothers. You'll have as much time as you want to bond with your baby and
you'll be able to have anyone you want touch or hold her. Breastfeeding assistance is provided throughout
your postpartum period.
NEWBORN SCREENING
The test is done between 3 and 7 days. For more information, go to NNSGRC.
VAGINAL BIRTH AFTER CESAREAN (VBAC) CLIENT CARE
In addition to the office and home visits listed above, all VBAC clients will receive counseling to cover any
specific needs and preparation needed for a successful VBAC birth.
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION
You will want to find out what happens to your body as your baby makes his or her way into the world.
Parents are encouraged to take the Hypnobabies childbirth preparation classes, taught by Carolyn at the
Birth Wellness Center starting this summer, 2008. Fees for Hypnobabies is $150.00 (Birth Wellness
Clients). Bradley childbirth preparation is another option for parents, taught by area instructors.
HOLISTIC APPROACH
We provide holistic services throughout your maternity care and encompass the traditional Wise Woman
Ways using herbs and natural supplements.
PERSONALIZED CARE
We offer compassionate and personalized care that encompasses your entire family. Mother and midwife
are partners in midwifery care, giving you an increased sense of control of your pregnancy and birthing
experience. The midwifery approach honors the view that women have an instinctive knowledge about how
to give birth. Through our respect for the normal process of childbirth, we guide, support, and instill
confidence in the birthing woman.
INFORMED CHOICE
We provide ongoing information to women and families throughout the pregnancy, birth and postpartum
period so that they can make the best decisions concerning their care. The concept of informed choice is
based on the principle that your health care provider has a responsibility to disclose any information to you
that allows you to make a reasonable decision regarding you and/or your baby’s well-being. “Informed"
means you have been given complete, accurate and relevant information that is material to any decision
concerning your care.
LABORATORY TESTS
Laboratory tests are performed at a facility in Chattanooga or Atlanta. Many tests are not routinely
preformed unless the client's condition indicates such tests are necessary. You may request or decline
additional laboratory tests, including ultrasound.
WATERBIRTH
Waterbirth is an option for all mothers.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS & ASSOCIATIONS
Our connections to the community offer support, information and the resources you need and desire.
Please visit the Mama Page to find your community resources.
TRAVELING RANGE
Carolyn is the only midwife at this time living in Chattanooga and keeps her travel radius to about 1 1/2
hours from her home on Belvoir Avenue. Please see her traveling range.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
