Homebirth
is about you having a birth that is best for you and your family.
Usually that is your home surrounded and supported by your family
and loved ones. Homebirth is safe and the outcomes are better than
with hospital delivery for low-risk, pregnant women. The quality and
quantity of prenatal care and labor exceeds because it is designed
around you and the birth you desire. Each woman has different needs
and issues, even from one pregnancy to the next; and they must be
heard, respected and acted upon. As your midwife, I take the time
to get to know you, establish trust and respect, educate, guide you
to empower yourself. You birth best where you feel most confident,
comfortable and able to relax in an environment you trust.
What is a Midwife
Midwife, meaning "with woman" is literally that - someone
who guides, informs, and supports women and their families through
the childbearing years. She provides professional prenatal care, childbirth
education, assists with labor and delivery, and cares for the newborn
and postpartum transition. Her role is keeping pregnancy and birth
natural, safe and normal while providing emotional, spiritual and
physical support.
As
your midwife, I provide and adhere to a standard schedule of appointments,
labs and vitals as with any ob-gyn. The difference is that I will
take as much time needed at each visit, usually more then an hour,
to assure that a woman remains healthy, low risk and still an appropriate
candidate for homebirthand to know when to refer to proper caregivers
if needed. I have protocols developed by the Department of Health
that I must follow, assuring that I only work with low risk pregnancies.
To assist in making informed decisions about pregnancy and birth,
I will take extra time to go over labs in detail, discuss diet, exercise,
changes and development of mother and baby, educate about labor, birth
and postpartum, as well as prepare siblings and other family members
for change by discussing relationships and fears.
Your midwifery care is personalized, continuous and complete. I,
Tanja Bolle, will care for you prenatally as well as be there for
you at your birth. This creates a sense of trust, familiarity, support
and faith in the natural process. These all relate to the goal for
you to have a joyous, positive and safe experience, empowering you
and fulfilling your needs.
Pain
in Labor
Part of homebirth is keeping the birth normal, natural and unmedicated.
When talking about birth, how to deal with pain is the most discussed
issue. There are many ways to support a woman through labor without
the use of painkillers or epidurals, eliminating their side effects.
It's important is to recognize the connection of pain to fear. Much
of the pain in labor relates to tension resulting from unresolved
fears. There is no denying that labor and birth are extremely intense
and a lot of hard work.
This is when I use my instinct and hands through touch, massage,
comforting words and experience to guide you through labor. I also
carry a seemingly non-ending bag of tricks such as water, heat, aromatherapy,
or food to nourish and relax you. As your midwife I might help you
breathe through each contraction, change your position and move you
around to keep you more comfortable. Affirmations and visualizations
help you know that you can do it. I will let you know that you are
a strong and powerful woman able to birth beautifully.
The focus of labor will be positive and encouragingdirecting
you to the excitement and hope and love of holding your new baby.
Postpartum
The work of a midwife extends far beyond the birth of your baby. During
the precious transition from pregnancy to parenthood, I will come
almost daily at first to make sure all is going well. Each postpartum
visit you and the baby have a thorough exam and all your questions
are answered.
Visits
generally continue to about six weeks postpartum. With more visits
and information, you can help predict and prevent complications. You
are not alone to deal with possible issues such as engorgement, jaundice
or postpartum depression. I will apply for birth certificates, social
security number, paternity statements if necessary and bill insurance.
I assure that you have help and support so you use your time to rest
and heal, not having to leave your bed and home until you are ready.
I make sure your friends, family and community also know how to support
your new family. Your natural parenting instincts are fully encouraged
for you to know your own body and baby better than anyone or any test
can.
It's the goal of New Growth Midwifery to take the time to process
your birth experience with you, together completing the cycle of personalized
care.
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