labor and birth
We encourage as much family involvement during labor and birth as is possible if desired by mom. We have a strong belief that there is a great opportunity for a family to come together during a birth in order to help the mother through her labor and to witness the birth of this precious baby. This is a wonderful bonding time.
We encourage the mother to give birth in just about any position she feels comfortable in. Squatting is one of the best positions for labor and birth because it opens up the pelvis to allow more room for descent of baby and results in less tears. Perineal massage and warm herbal compresses are applied to the perineum to reduce the chance of tearing, not to mention it also feels great! Mom is encouraged to slow down her pushing as the head crowns in an effort to allow the perineum to stretch.
Dads, partners, or any family member can help catch their baby or support in whatever way is best for mom. As soon as the baby is born, he/she is immediately handed to the mother and all newborn assessments are done while mom is holding her baby. An Apgar score is done at 1 and 5 minutes. Breastfeeding is encouraged as soon as possible after birth. The baby is usually alert and ready to nurse and it helps to clear the baby’s lungs of any excess fluid, keeps baby warm and content, and causes uterine contractions to help birth the placenta. Baby is never taken from mom... there is no newborn nursery!
We offer home birth services. We have portable equipment and supplies that we bring to your home and provide you with the information you need to prepare your birth space. We are happy to answer your questions and learn how we can best serve you and your family.
Labor monitoring and support includes:
- Labor History - Contraction frequency, duration, and intensity
- Membrane status - intact or ruptured, if so-color, amount, odor, discharge
- Intake - Yes! We like for you to eat and drink during labor!
- Vitals - B/P, P, Temp.
- Fetal Heart Rate - assessed every 30 minutes in active labor and more frequently during pushing - no belts strapped to your tummy during labor and birth
- Fetal Lie, Presentation, and Position - confirm that the baby is head down and anterior
- Vaginal exams - dilation, effacement, station
- Pain Relief Techniques - position changes, massage, acupressure points, water immersion/water birth, herbs, homeopathy
We believe that natural birth is best for mother and baby. We recommend natural childbirth classes in order to be fully prepared for your birth. We have alternative methods of relieving discomfort during labor. Waterbirth is our best tool! Many women call it the aquadural! Even health insurance companies have a code that we bill for aquatherapy as it is recognized as a legitimate form of pain relief. 90% of our mothers use our portable tub to labor and or give birth in. We also have other therapies that help with labor such as herbal and homeopathic combinations that help with relaxation. Massage is another tool that is helpful.