Services

On call breastfeeding help

Birth Matters. I believe the way a child is brought into the world has an important impact on the rest of their life and helping with that transition is an honor.

Prenatal Visits

Prenatal visits are scheduled for 30 minutes up to 1 hour, providing time for questions and discussions focusing on: education, collaboration, prevention, nutrition, the psychology of birth, medical tests, birth plans, personal/family beliefs and newborn care. These longer visits allow time to develop a strong, trusting relationship between you and Susan and to nourish confidence in your body and natural childbirth.

Prenatal visits also include:

Weight check (non-mandatory)
Blood pressure check
Baby's heart tones & positioning
Uterine measurement (to monitor baby's growth)
Optional, non-diagnostic ultrasound for heartbeat detection and positioning.
Non-stress test, if necessary
Counseling and education

Prenatal visit schedule:

Initial visit: getting to know each other
Every 5 to 6 weeks until 32 weeks
Every 2 weeks until 38 weeks
Weekly at 38 weeks until delivery

Available tests:

Prenatal panel (initial blood work-up)
Non-diagnostic ultra sound
Genetic screening using Unity
Gestational diabetes screen (non traditional methods offered)
Group B Strep screening and treatment, if necessary

Labor & Delivery

With Susan as your midwife, labor and delivery takes place at The Birthing Inn. Susan and her assistants act as guides; supporting and assisting with the implementation of your birth plan and decisions. Family members, friends, and birth support people are welcome to join you during your labor and delivery. And you are always free to move about, eat and drink, and labor in whatever ways you are most comfortable.

Susan also provides assistance in coping with labor – encouragement, reassurance, position recommendations, and relaxation techniques. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in recognizing early warning signs of medical conditions that occasionally arise and decreasing labor by helping babies rotate, if in a posterior position. This allows you to labor on their own time without unnecessary interventions or timetables. Delivery options and positions include: birth tub, shower, bed, birth stool, floor, standing, squatting, kneeling, and hands & knees.

Post Partum & Newborn

Postpartum care of mother and baby begins right after the birth. We are licensed to work with your baby up to 14 days after birth, newborn visit's begin on day 2. This includes normal newborns tests such as the metabolic, hearing, CCHD screen, weight check and lip and tongue tie evaluation. In addition, we highly recommend you take the time to interview and select a pediatrician before your baby is born, as we stresse the importance of having a second set of eyes on your child from the beginning.

Post Partum Care includes:

Newborn exam and advice regarding newborn care
Immediate breastfeeding support
Caring attention to mother
Optional in office visits for lactation support and/or mother support beyond day 14
Six week postpartum check and optional pap smear

*The “Midwives Model of Care” is women-centered and has been proven to reduce birth injuries and medical intervention. You can read more about the Midwives Model of Care on the Citizens For Midwifery website.