Labor and Birth
I will be on
call for you 24 hours a day between 37 weeks gestation and your 
labor
and birth. I can be reached by pager and cell phone.
Standard and emergency medications and equipment will be available at your birth. In addition, I have basic herbal knowledge and you may choose to use herbs if need arises.
WATERBIRTH: You may give birth in water if you desire. This is a nice option that feels great! The tub and a few other supplies would need to be purchased or rented ahead of time.
- Labor support: I will come to be with you when you need me. Some women want space to be alone or with their partner as they labor. Others want more active labor support--massage, encouragement, suggestions. These desires may change during the course of labor. Having changing desires and needs is fine, I will be there to serve you. It is all about you, take advantage of this!
- Labor assessment. I will quietly and non-obtrusively assess labor, recognizing that this is your birth experience, while being prepared to offer suggestions based on my experience or to attend to an emergency situation should it arise.
- Birth assistant: A birth assistant will also attend your birth. This a woman who is trained and experienced in assisting at births as well as labor support. You will usually meet her before your birth.
Immediate Postpartum Care
I typically stay at least 2 to 3 hours after the birth to examine the baby, make sure mother is doing well, help with breastfeeding, and begin the clean-up process (usually not too extensive after a homebirth).
- A complete baby exam, including weight, heart, breathing. I do not have the equipment to perform the hearing screen that is routine in the hospital. You can choose to have the baby receive routine antibiotics in the eyes and/or a vitamin K injection; again this is your choice.
I will suture (put in stitches) in the event that it is necessary. Most women open and stretch well and do not need stitches.
A CNM is required by law to have a relationship with a physician who can be available in the rare case of a transfer to the hospital. If such a transfer becomes necessary I would come with you as a support person.