Here is the breakdown of the prenatal schedule as well as what you can expect from us during the journey of growing your baby!

Starting around 10 weeks gestation, we will have an initial prenatal visit. At this time we will go over your history in detail and we will make sure that all of your questions have been answered. 

Prenatal appointments are scheduled once a month until you are 36 weeks. At this time we will see you weekly until you deliver. Additional visits may be included if needed.  

Our appointments will last approximately 45 minutes. During your prenatal appointment we will spend time talking about your pregnancy, nutrition, baby, birth, emotions, and your questions. Your vitals will be taken and we will check to make sure all is well with your baby. Through longer appointments, we will get to know each other on a more personal level.

Visits will be at my office in Macomb Twp with an in home appointment taking place at 36 weeks. 

 
The midwifery model of care helps to minimize problems associated with pregnancy through a well balanced healthy diet, adequate sleep, and exercise. The client takes responsibility for the health of herself and baby by committing to eating healthy and getting regular exercise. We will help guide you along the way!

Communication between appointments via phone or email is available during normal business hours.
 

It's almost time to meet your baby!

Starting at 37 weeks, I am on call for you 24 hours a day.  We will stay in communication until your labor becomes active. Once  labor becomes active, the birthing team will join you at your home. The birthing team includes a second midwife. It may include a birthing assistant or a student midwife. You will have the opportunity upon request to meet anyone from our team who will be attending your birth. While at your birth, we will use intermittent monitoring throughout labor and delivery. We will be present for both emotional and physical comfort as needed. You will be encouraged to follow the signals of your body and birth your baby in any position that you desire. 

You did it! Your baby has joined us earthside!

Once your baby is born, we respect the  mother/baby bonding period immediately after the birth. We will monitor you and your baby closely, but in a non-invasive way. Your baby will not be taken from you. Delayed cord clamping is our normal. When you are ready for the umbilical cord to be cut, we will assist whomever you choose in doing so. An herbal bath will be made for you and your baby.

A newborn exam is performed, checking  vitals, measurements, reflexes and weight. While the family is bonding with the new family member, we will be cleaning up, while continuing to monitor everyone's well being. We also help with breastfeeding.  Before departing, everyone will be stable and tucked into bed.

The first 4 postpartum visits will be at your home and are scheduled for 24 hours after birth, as well as days 3, 7, and 14. The last two visits are in office and are scheduled at 4 and 6 weeks postpartum. 

I am available via phone or email if there are any questions during the 6 weeks after your birth. 

The newborn screening will be offered at the 24 hour visit. For more information on the newborn screening: www.michigan.gov/newbornscreening    

Birth Doula's provide educational, emotional and physical support during pregnancy, labor and delivery. When you hire a Doula from It's Your Birth, the package includes the following:

• Two prenatal appointments. During this time we get to get to know each other and discuss your birthing preferences. Appointments are 60 minutes in duration. 
• On-call time from 37 to 42 weeks gestation. 
•  Attendance during active labor, birth, and the immediate postpartum. 
• One postpartum visit within the first week after delivery.

 Hiring a Birth Doula can lead to a 

• 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin
• 28% decrease in the risk of Cesarean
• 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
• 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
• 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
• 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

Check out https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/  for more information and a free printout. 

Post Partum Montrice services are for those who have had a hospital birth, but desire the 6 week postpartum care that a homebirth midwife would normally provide to her client. The schedule for this service is to see you and your baby on day 3, 7, and 14 in home, followed by 2 office visits at 4 and 6 weeks. During these visits, the midwife will check to make sure that all vitals for mom and baby are within a normal range. If during a visit, vitals for either mom or baby present as abnormal, the Postpartum Montrice would recommend that you contact your primary care physician as soon as possible.  A post partum Montrice does not replace your primary care physican and she does not give medical advice.  A Post Partum Montrice is not a Doula. She is a home birth midwife.