Labor & Birth
Although the birth of a healthy baby is the ultimate goal of pregnancy and labor, I believe that the process itself has intrinsic value and great importance in the life and soul of each woman, her family and community. My goal is to help women experience birth's transforming power with respect and dignity, in safety, support and confidence.
 As a midwife practicing the Midwifery Model of Care, my role is to support and assist you in your birth journey. I practice “watchful guarding” of the natural process, offering sensitive support and gentle encouragement. With my clinical skills, intellect and intuition I inform you if anything falls outside the range of normal.
Your inner wisdom about your body and desire to labor and birth in your own unique way will be honored. When your baby is born she will be placed where she belongs: right on your tummy and in your arms. There she makes her gentle transition into the world, begins to breastfeed and integrates into your family. There is no rush to cut the umbilical cord and I never separate the two of you. Following the birth, I create space for you to bond with your new baby before doing the newborn assessment or checking you for tears and suturing. I make sure you have something to eat, assist you with the bathroom and showering and help clean up. Typically I stay a few hours after the birth to make sure that both you and your baby are stable and usually leave your new family snuggled up in bed together for a nice rest.
It is my hope that the care I give assists not only women, but also their partners and families to confidently welcome a new child into their lives.
*Studies consistently show that women who labor and birth in a comfortable, familiar environment, and are continuously supported during labor by familiar caregivers, experience higher degrees of satisfaction and better outcomes.
Water for Labor & Birthing
Lisa has been working hard for hours now and the contractions are getting intense. Her face shows the seriousness of her labor, from the furrowed brow to the tightened jaw. As the contraction peaks, her shoulders tense up and her eyes plead for help. The birthing tub is full and we suggest she enter the water. Lisa is unsure how anything could help her at this point but as she lowers herself into the tub, the water surrounds her and we hear the familiar "Aaahhh." She sinks deeper resting her head on the side of the tub as her hands float near the surface. In a matter of moments her body is relaxed and her face the picture of tranquility. The tension melts away as she surrenders her body and her labor to the water. She opens her eyes momentarily and whispers, "I feel sooooo much better!" We give each other a knowing glance and smile; Lisa has just experienced what we call the “aquadural.”
 I’m often asked if I assist in water birth and the answer is “YES!” Most of my clients use water therapy of some kind during labor and about more than half actually birth in the water.
Women have been finding comfort in water since the beginning of time. Warm water envelops the body creating a weightless feeling and diminishes the sensation of the contractions. As the body relaxes, adrenaline levels are lowered and endorphins are released. These hormonal painkillers reduce stress and lessen pain, allowing both physical and mental relaxation. Most women find their ability to concentrate is improved, allowing them to focus inward on the birth process. This promotes the progression of labor, making it easier, shorter and even enjoyable. The relief from the warm water is so good that it is worth bearing in mind that it can be used as pain relief even if you don't want or plan to have a water birth.
Pain relief is an obvious motivation but there are other benefits to water. The buoyancy of the water gives a sense of weightlessness which makes it easier to change positions and eases aches and pains. Soaking in water lowers high blood pressure and increases blood circulation to the babies so they are born with higher oxygen levels. When mothers labor in the tub, there is less fetal distress and fewer complications such as hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia and meconium aspiration. The soaking is also good for mother’s bottom as it softens the perineum, making it easier to birth without tearing. Babies love being born into the familiarity of water. They tend to be more alert and calm. You can literally see them unfold their limbs, open their eyes and take in their new world. It's a gentle transition from womb to mother's embrace.
Common concerns I hear are, “Is it safe?” and “how does baby breathe?” There is a complex physiological mechanism which inhibits the baby from taking a breath when it is born in water. It is commonly believed that the stimulus to breathe is from the baby's face coming in direct contact with air. Up until the time that the baby is lifted out of the water, the baby receives its oxygen from the mother via the placenta and the umbilical cord. I have a lot of training and experience with babies being born under water and equipment to monitor the baby’s heart rate while you are in the tub.
You can use any big deep tub during your labor. For best results, your tummy needs to be completely immersed and you should have room to move freely. Because I believe that every baby deserves the gentleness that water provides, I include the usage of a birth tub in the birthing package. The tub is a hard plastic, oval Rubbermaid tub that holds approximately 150 gallons. The dimensions are: 38” wide X 58” long X 26” high. A submersible pump is included with all tubs for easy emptying.
Labor & Birth FAQ
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