Prenatal and Postpartum Care
Prenatal and postpartum care at with the midwives at South Shore Home Birth follows a similar care schedule as a traditional obstetrician or Certified Nurse Midwife practice with a few small differences that put the woman at the center of of our care.
Appointments are offered in our office and usually last last an hour in order to get to know the client, her partner and, and often, her other children. Much of the client/midwife relationship is based on respect, aligned care goals and, above all, trust. Part of spending an hour with clients during prenatal appointments isn’t about checking blood pressure and the baby’s position—although we do this and more midwifery assessments at each appointment—it’s about forging a relationship based on that mutual respect and trust.
We believe fervently that mothers and their partners share an innate sense of what is best for them and their baby. We believe in creating an atmosphere of informed decision making, providing non-bias information in combination with our expertise in the normal physiological process of pregnancy and birth in order for mothers and their partner to be active participants in their care.
It is through theses tenets of care and mutually respectful relationships that allow home births to unfold safely as the parents and providers become a team in order to welcome their baby into the world in a gentle, calm and loving manner.
Please see the sample prenatal care schedule below.
Appointments are offered in our office and usually last last an hour in order to get to know the client, her partner and, and often, her other children. Much of the client/midwife relationship is based on respect, aligned care goals and, above all, trust. Part of spending an hour with clients during prenatal appointments isn’t about checking blood pressure and the baby’s position—although we do this and more midwifery assessments at each appointment—it’s about forging a relationship based on that mutual respect and trust.
We believe fervently that mothers and their partners share an innate sense of what is best for them and their baby. We believe in creating an atmosphere of informed decision making, providing non-bias information in combination with our expertise in the normal physiological process of pregnancy and birth in order for mothers and their partner to be active participants in their care.
It is through theses tenets of care and mutually respectful relationships that allow home births to unfold safely as the parents and providers become a team in order to welcome their baby into the world in a gentle, calm and loving manner.
Please see the sample prenatal care schedule below.
Prenatal & PostpartumInitial visit
6-8 weeks or 1 week after interview -- Follow-up visit after initial visit -- Prenatal visits occur monthly up to 32 weeks -- 16-18 weeks Prenatal Exam -- 28 weeks -- 32 weeks -- 36 weeks -- 38-42 weeks -- Birth -- Day 1 -- Day 3 -- Week 1 -- Week 2 -- Week 6 |
Prenatal exam. Family, health, and OB/GYN history is obtained. Information is given on health, lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise for a healthy pregnancy. Blood draw for the prenatal panel is usually performed at this time. -- Birth contract and financial agreement are to be completed at this time. Physical Exam if indicated, diet diary and prenatal lab work are reviewed. -- Prenatal exams occur once a month and include blood pressure, weight, and urine check, fundal height measurement to check fetal growth, listening to the baby’s heart beat, and discussion of current questions and concerns. -- Quad screen testing are offered with informed consent to determine possible birth defects of the baby. -- Prenatal Exam Screening for gestational diabetes and anemia tests are offered. Antibody titer and Rhogam are offered to Rh negative mothers. Childbirth education classes, hypnobirthing or Bliss Born classes are suggested. -- Prenatal Exam Prenatal visits are now every two weeks until 36 weeks. -- Prenatal home visit in couple's home with birth team. All birth fees are to be completely paid by this time. The birth plan is reviewed. Any other birth attendants, doulas or family members attending the birth, are encouraged to attend the home visit. Discussion with couple regarding labor and delivery, becoming parents, and a time for questions and concerns. Birth kit order forms and a labor supply list are given to parents. A vaginal culture is offered at this visit to rule out Group B Strep infection. Rh antibody titer may be repeated on Rh negative mothers. Weekly prenatal visits begin until the birth. -- Prenatal Exams Prenatal visits continue weekly until the birth. If the mother has not gone into labor, a biophysical profile is discussed and offered after 41 weeks to check on the baby. -- Birth attendants remain in the home for 3-6 hours after the birth to ensure that mother and baby are stable and healthy. The baby is weighed, measured, and examined. Vitamin K and an antibiotic eye ointment are offered for the baby. The mother is given help with breastfeeding as needed. Postpartum assistance is given, including suturing of the perineum if needed -- Home visit, maternal and newborn care is provided at home. Assessment of the health and well-being of mother and baby. The Birth Certificate is filled out and filed. Newborn exam and day 1 postpartum newborn assessment are sent to pediatrician. -- Home Visit Assessment of the health and well-being of mother and baby. Newborn Metabolic Screening test is offered. -- Home visit assessment of the health and well-being of mother and baby. -- Office Visit Assessment of the health and well-being of mother and baby. -- Office Visit Assessment of the health and well-being of mother and baby. Well woman and physical exam of mother. Pap smear offered. Family Planning |