Homebirth Care

Prenatal Care

Building a relationship of trust and honesty

Traditional Midwifery is founded on relation. The word comes from the Middle English “mid” which meant “with,” and “wif” which meant “woman.” I want to be with you in your birth — not just giving directions from outside — which begins by building a strong trust in pregnancy.

To ensure that trust is formed, I make myself available so you can call me at any time with any questions you might have. Whether you’re new and nervous or seasoned and curious, I want to ensure you have all the information you need to make informed choices about your health and the health of your baby.

Because health is about the whole person, I provide any advice I can about lifestyle, nutrition, herbs, community resources, and newborn care. At prenatal appointments, I allow plenty of time for checking on health of both you and baby.

You’re welcome to bring all your family to prenatals, especially anyone who will be present for the birth. I encourage fathers to come. Bringing your children helps prepare them for a new sibling, and I welcome them. I also ensure you meet with the Oak Tree team, or any additional midwife I might need to bring to the birth to be sure you feel comfortable with her as well.

Prenatals are held at my home in Cambridge, MN or in office in St. Paul, MN, monthly until 28 weeks, twice monthly until 36 weeks, and weekly from then until birth. At 36 weeks I come to your home and get familiar with the space you want to birth in. This is a great time for me to meet anyone else you want to have with you, whether this is your parents, your doula, or any other support person.

Birth Care

Proceeding with respect

When the birth begins, I come respectfully and peacefully into your space, when you’re ready for me. I may stay with you for constant encouragement, or I may stay out of your way and give you privacy; the extent to which I do either is up to you. I encourage the father to take an active role and support him (This is a powerful moment for him as well!) even to catching the baby if he wants to.

Baby belongs with mom, and so into mom’s arms baby goes after birth. I do not clamp or cut the cord until it has finished pulsing, and I perform a thorough newborn exam with baby close to the mother. I also monitor and assess both to prevent complications.

In the event that a rare complication arises, I carry both herbs and homeopathic remedies and modern technologies to address hemorrhage and neo-natal aid. Should a situation develop beyond my skills, I’ll facilitate a quick and safe transfer to a hospital and remain by your side for any support I can offer.

Postnatal Care

Recovery with peace

After the birth, I’ll remain for the immediate postpartum care of mother and baby, of cleanup, and to help nursing be established. I return back for appointments at 24-36 hours, between day 3-4 and again around days 7-10. We’ll meet for two more appointments at three weeks, and six weeks postnatal, or more often as needed. I am available by text or call for any questions or concerns that arise until and even after that sixth week. I want to make sure you have every resource to be at peace and have confidence as you care for your beautiful new life!