Homebirth Midwifery Care

WITH BAREFOOT BIRTH

Prenatal Appointments

Prenatal appointments aren’t like a typical doctor’s visit. We allow plenty of time together, where we will deeply get to know each other and develop a strong connection.

Your appointment is about YOU. A space to learn about your wants and wishes, holding space for traumas and fears, and exploring many topics. Not only do we discuss your current pregnancy, overall physical health, mental health and preparation for birth, we will also dive into newborn care, parenting, self-care and so much more. Pregnancy can be such a transformative process and experience, and I am honored to be a part of it. Each visit is unique for every family, based on their needs.

I believe in full autonomy; at your appointments we will discuss all testing options so that you can make informed decisions. Family members are welcome at your appointments and are encouraged to be very involved. I teach how to determine baby’s position in the womb, how to find the baby’s heart tones with the fetoscope or doppler (whichever tool is your preference) and give belly rubs.

We are available for questions and concerns between appointments via text or phone call.

Birth

When the time comes to give birth, we enter your home with quiet voices. We won't turn on the lights, and make you move or change what you are doing. We will quietly set up our supplies and check in on you and baby. We can be as involved or hands-off as you wish. Some births beckon for lots of massage and suggestions and some require the peace and stillness that you will only find with a homebirth midwife.

We welcome the idea of mother or family members catching the baby, siblings attending the birth, and eating and drinking during labor. We do not place arbitrary time limits on you or expect your labor to mimic "average". We combine ancient wisdom and modern techniques to help you have the safest birth possible in the comfort of your home.

The immediate postpartum is a sacred space we do our best to leave uninterrupted. We minimize doing anything to disrupt this time. We will quietly clean up, get you comfortable in bed snuggling your little one, prepare some food and nourishing herbal teas, and help with first latch.

After lots of skin-to-skin and bonding, when you're ready, we will complete an extensive newborn exam of baby on your bed so you can be entirely involved and experience every moment! We will do footprints, weigh and measure baby as well.

When everyone is settled, we will leave your home quietly and allow you to take your first long rest after birth.

Postpartum Care

Your first postpartum visit will be completed in your home at 24-36 hours after birth. We will come to ensure feeding is going well, check on you and baby, chat about your birth and answer any questions that may have come up. The next scheduled postpartum visit is around 2 weeks, also in your home; although we are available to add as many extra visits that are needed in the first few weeks, at no additional cost. The rest of your postpartum visits will be held in our office and we will again check vitals and measure baby's growth.

Most importantly though, this is a time to distinguish midwifery care and what makes it special. The postpartum time period can be challenging for new and experienced parents alike, as each baby is unique. Having a dedicated time to talk, ask questions and receive advice or reassurance can make a great impact. At Barefoot Birth, we truly believe that there is much to be desired with traditional postpartum care, and that is why we offer extra visits than what are required by state regulations, fill in the gaps, and leave no family behind. Your postpartum is filled with support and like the rest of you care, is customized to your needs. We will always make time to do additional visits, as needed.