We want to have this baby at home.  What do I/we do?

 

  • Affirm responsibility for your decision.
  • Maintain good nutrition, exercise, get lots of fresh air and water.
  • Get labs done when requested.
  • Educate yourself and family.
  • Make it to your prenatal visits and be honest about your physical and emotional condition.
  • Give it positive energy.
  • Your attitude will make the difference in how your pregnancy and birth proceed, so start pregnancy with the attitude that the human body works fine.

 

What do you do prenatally?

 

Complete prenatal care:

45-90 minute visits

  • once every three weeks until 28 weeks
  • every two weeks from 28 to 36 weeks
  • every week from 36 weeks until birth

These visits are in my home office unless we make other arrangements with each other.

 

This is the bulk of your care and will consist of:

  • a physical assessment
  • blood pressure
  • pulse
  • weight
  • temperature
  • urinalysis
  • fundal measurement
  • palpation
  • taking fetal heart tones

 

There are many routine questions and a nutritional analysis.  I will also order appropriate labwork.

 

Please bring to your first prenatal:

  • any records from previous births
  • copies of any records with other care providers during this pregnancy

 

You may bring anyone to prenatals who is welcome at your birth.  Children may come to prenatals.  Bring a favorite toy or person to help occupy the littler ones.  I do not have child care available.

 

Prenatal visits are a time for us to get to know each other and your baby.  We will talk about how your pregnancy is proceeding, what you want to do during your labor, who you possibly want around and where you might want to be.  I am open to anything that does not endanger anyone.

 

Must I/we take childbirth classes?

 

I highly recommend childbirth education for first time parents and particularly homebirth or Bradley classes for those birthing at home for the first time.  I also believe there is much to be gained by education before pregnancy and as soon as pregnancy is known.  There are several well-trained Bradley teachers in the Colorado Springs area.  I have had a few women do well through self-education, but they were extremely dedicated.  Learn as much as possible from an independent childbirth educator.  Classes associated with hospitals do not offer the extensive type of education that a homebirth requires.  I have a large video and book lending library.

 

I teach classes and the cost is NOT included in your midwifery fee.  Classes are 2-3 hours long and a series is arranged by need.  They are $20 per individual or $25 per two in the same household.  I am certified by the Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators.

 

Have you attended waterbirths?

 

Yes.  The water must be as clean as possible.  I have two large pools that rotate to the next client in my practice by due date.  You may purchase/rent your own tub. 

 

You may use tubs or showers freely during labor, even if you don't want to birth in the water.

 

When do you come to my/our house?

 

Sometimes I will meet you for the first time at your house or for a later prenatal.  At the latest, by 36 weeks, I will conduct a home visit. 

 

AT THE 36 WEEK HOME VISIT

 

Everyone who is to be at the birth will meet at your house.  Roles will be defined so that everyone who wants to attend the birth will have a job and other children will have a caretaker.  I do NOT provide child care.

 

The route to the nearest hospital will be discussed, as well as transport vehicles and designated drivers.  It is an opportunity for my assistant(s) and me to familiarize ourselves with the location of your home and its layout.  You must have running water and a telephone.  There will be a discussion of how you envision the birth.  At an earlier prenatal you will have been given a list of birth supplies.  I will check to see that supplies are complete and that I know where they are stored.

 

This is the time to make sure all loose ends are tied up and questions are answered.  It is the time to feel that everything is ready.

 

Who comes with you?

 

Generally an intern, apprentice or student midwife assists me.  You will meet one or several during your pregnancy.  I am most comfortable working with two assistants, but one will suffice.  My assistant is included in your fee.

 

There are other midwives and apprentices in town who would be glad to come if there is any discomfort or personality conflict.

 

How long do you stay after a birth?

 

Until it looks like I'm not needed, but at least 2 hours.  Usually I stay about 4-6 hours.  Others on the birth team may go home earlier.

 

How often will you see us after the birth?

 

This time I do the traveling.  I come over at 1 day and approximately at 3 days, 6 days, and 10 days postpartum.  If you live more than 1 hour away, I will do 3 postpartum visits in your home.  These visits are at least 1 hour long.  You come to my office for an appointment at 3 weeks and 6 weeks postpartum.  You are welcome to call and update me after our professional relationship has ended.  ;-)

 

My 2 cents:

 

A homebirth is the opportunity to do as you want with the experience.  You can eat, sleep, and walk when you'd like.  The father, or anyone else you wish, may catch the baby and siblings, friends, and family can be present.  Perhaps there is a rite of passage or ritual that you would like to have everyone participate in during labor or after the birth.  Choices and possibilities are endless and they are yours.

 

Happy Birthing!

Pamela J. Crowl, RM, CPM, BSM