Is Homebirth right for you?

It could be if YOU…
You are a healthy low-risk woman - experiencing a normal pregnancy.
You want to actively participate in your prenatal care and birth.  
You normally choose a non-medical approach when it is a safe option.  
You want to be supported and are willing to support yourself in your desire for a natural birth.

What do midwives do?

Midwives view childbearing and birth as a normal process of life - not an illness. 
A Midwifery Model of Care includes:

  • encouraging support of your well-being through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum

  • individualized education

  • counseling

  • prenatal care

  • continuous care during labor and birth

  • support postpartum

A Midwife is a Health Care Provider trained in the art and science of Midwifery and Women’s Health.  
She cares for healthy women during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and is trained to care for the newborn as well.  
Some midwives also provide family planning, annual exams, and other kinds of well-woman gynecology and health care.

What happens after the baby is born?
 

Normally at birth,  while you are enjoying and discovering your baby, midwives are making sure everything is staying normal in a quiet way,  one that is protective of your privacy.  
We help to gently keep the baby warm and make sure it is breathing well, as well as making sure you are comfortable and bleeding is normal. We encourage skin-to-skin contact so babies continue to stay warm and bond with their families.
After you have had time with your baby, we make sure you have had something to eat and drink and are comfortable in your place. When you are ready, we perform a full newborn exam on the baby.  

We generally stay  2 to 4 hours after birth. Sometimes it is less, sometimes more. 
It depends on you and your baby's needs and desires.  

We return to you 24 hours after birth, (often on day 3), then see you in the office at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months postpartum. 
Of course, we are usually talking by phone as needed, so you have plenty of support. 
You are provided with lots of support postpartum, including breastfeeding support (if you choose to breastfeed).
We offer a list of postpartum resources to you as well. 

Where do midwives deliver babies?
 

Certified Nurse-Midwives deliver babies in homes, birth centers, and hospitals. We have excellent outcomes in all of these environments and women report high satisfaction.  
-CNMs have the highest level of education, training, certification, and licensure to provide midwifery care in everywhere.

Oklahoma is very behind other states in providing community access and full practice authority to all Advance Practice Nurses. 
Although most states grant “full practice authority” to all Advanced Practice Nurses, Oklahoma limits the work APRN can do.
Most CNMs work in hospitals near Tulsa, Ada, or in Indian Health Care facilities and are doing great work there! Three CNMs have established birth centers in Tulsa. Currently, Mercy hospital (OKC and Ada ) offers some CNMs the privilege to provide care under OB/GYNs within the hospital system.

Some CNMs (like me) offer homebirth services to women and families to allow a more private, one on one, supportive approach to care.

Midwives support and welcome collaborative relationships, for improving health outcomes for all Oklahoma families.   

What happens if I want to transfer to the hospital? 

We want you to have the birth you desire, wherever that takes place. "Your birth, Your way!”
If a mother feels she wants medication for pain relief,  then we transfer to the hospital. 
We support mothers in whatever their needs and desires may be - without judgement.

Safety is vital and a #1 priority
If a special circumstances arises, I prefer to transfer a mother or baby earlier in the process.

Midwives support women in their choices. 
In a rare emergency, we call EMS and transfer by ambulance. In an non-emergent transfer, we go by private vehicle to the most appropriate hospital. Some women prefer a specific hospital if they are receiving concurrent care or due to insurance. If at all possible, the midwife or your doula will accompany you to the hospital and stay with you for the remainder of your care.

How do I get a birth certificate and social security number, when I birth at home?

After your baby is born, we simply file a birth certificate for you through Oklahoma Vital Records electronic filing system. You can request a copy of the certificate after the baby’s 1-week birthday.
A social security card can be automatically sent to your mailing address.