The first moments,
​in your home

Home Birth

Your birth, in your time and space.
​Midwifery has historical roots across the globe dating back to ancient times. Midwives exist in oral history, historical texts, artwork, and biblical references. Midwives support you, your baby, and family in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Random time constraints and habitual restrictions lead to the overuse of medical support technology and the associated negative effects, especially in low-risk, healthy pregnancies and births. In contrast, a planned home birth with primary midwifery care offers freedom of time and use of technology only if needed in your birth. At home, labor unfolds in a familiar environment with familiar faces and and remains an extension of your day to day family life.

​You eat and drink as usual to support the work of labor and benefit from continuous support from your loved ones and the Magnolia Midwifery team. The midwife and birth assistant monitor labor progress and your and baby’s well-being throughout labor and birth using effective, low-tech methods: intermittent doppler heart rate monitoring, blood pressure cuff, clinical and intuitive observation, verbal check-ins with you, and touch with permission.
Freedom of time, movement, nourishment, continuous support, informed choices, and open conversations are Hallmarks of Midwifery Care and home birth. These are not special requests included only if you ask.

​Every pregnant person receives trauma-aware care. And, if you choose to disclose a specific trauma history we can work together to find the best ways to cope with potentially challenging aspects of pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding.
This is a two-way relationship. We depend on you to move, eat and drink, make informed choices, accept responsibility, share your hopes and worries, and organize your home and support team (before labor!). You can trust the birth team to make these a part of every labor and birth for your comfort, and as essential ways to promote labor progress and safe, satisfying births.
If you are interested in homebirth services, contact me to initiate a first phone contact or schedule one here. The next step is an in-person consultation visit. The visit is an opportunity to share your vision for your upcoming birth and how I can serve you. During this visit, I will share information about my practice and the midwifery philosophy of care.

The First Step

Prenatal Care

Join together to create a positive relationship ​focused on your personal and family growth encompassing spiritual-emotional-physical needs, safety, and satisfaction.

A 1-2 hour initial visit includes a thorough history, full physical exam, and discussion about what a healthy pregnancy looks like in the context of your lifestyle

Prenatal visits in the Simsbury or Plymouth/Terryville office monthly during the first and second trimesters, every 2 weeks from 28-36 weeks, then weekly from 36 weeks until birth, or 42 weeks. The 36 week visit is a 1-2 hour visit in your home.

In-office prenatal lab work and referrals for ultrasounds as needed

Screening and treatment monitoring for depression and anxiety

The Nitty Gritty class for you and your birth team to prepare for labor and birth at home 

Supportive measures to sharpen your decision-making skills 
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Referrals for specialized care 

Childbirth

I support your strength in labor, follow your lead, avoid interruptions or interferences promoting your confidence and safety ​

24/7 access to the midwife: I am available by phone to answer your questions and concerns as labor approaches and progresses at home.

Our team includes two midwives or the midwife and a birth assistant. We will come to your home to monitor and support you during active labor, birth, and postpartum. 

One-on-One Care: Early labor support is individualized to your needs. Support and monitoring is provided when we arrive at your house for active labor and until 3-4 hours postpartum. Our goal is a safe, peaceful, supportive environment tailored to your needs.

Freedom of movement: Walk; go outside; sit on a ball, the floor, the bed, the toilet; float in water; rock in a chair; squat, kneel, and find any other position that feels right to you

​Movement in labor is not only an essential part of labor comfort, expert and novice birthers intuitively discover the best positions to help their babies find the best way earthside! We also offer suggestions based on our assessments.
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Water birth Option: Water birth tubs are available for rent as available. 
Setting up your birthing tub: Birth Pool in a Box Mini

Postpartum

The birth team remains with your family until 3-4 hours postpartum.

The midwife returns for in home postpartum visits on days one and three. The 2 and 4-6 weeks postpartum visits are in the Simsbury or Plymouth/Terryville office. You will receive a phone check in at 5-7 days.

The postpartum visits include well-baby exams up to 28 days or earlier if you transfer care to a pediatrician. Referral to the pediatrician is made for anything outside of the ordinary. Your pediatrician will receive the newborn birth records upon your request and before their first pediatric visit. 
Newborn care may include:
  • Infant nutrition support
  • Monitoring of baby's weight gain
  • Assessment of jaundice
  • Newborn screening
  • Hearing screen referral

Screening and treatment for postpartum depression and anxiety

24-hr access to the on-call midwife for postpartum support

Contraception discussion

Connection with Connecticut (CT) community organizations to promote a healthy transition as a NEW FAMILY!

The First Step: Preparing for your Consultation Visit

Connecticut prospective home birth families begin with a free consultation visit prior to the first prenatal appointment. At the visit we discuss birthing at home, your needs and desires, my experience and approach to birth, and nurse-midwifery care. Discover if Magnolia Midwifery is the right practice for you!

It is likely that you've done a bit of research on home birth and know others who have birthed at home. It is also likely that those closest to you have not. Encourage those who will be at the consultation visit to watch a home birth movie and visit home birth information sites prior to your visit. This can be especially important for anyone reluctant about your decision to birth at home. Suggestions include: Why Not Home (video), Business of Being Born series (video), Rebecca Dekker's What is a homebirth?