Prenatal Care

No-Cost Consultation

Midwifery is relationship-based, so we begin with a “meet and greet”. We want to make sure you are healthy and a good candidate for a home birth, that you meet low-risk criteria, and that we are a good fit for each other. We need to trust you as much as you need to trust us!

If all parties decide that it’s a good fit, we begin your prenatal visits between 10-12 weeks.

Prenatal Visits

Early initiation of regular prenatal care is very important to the health of you and your baby. One of the hallmarks of midwifery care is shared decision-making. We want you to be an active participant in your care. We begin care by reviewing your medical history, conducting a physical exam, and ordering initial prenatal labs. In the first and second trimester, you will be seen once a month. Beginning at 30 weeks we will see you every 2 weeks until you reach 36 weeks. At this point, you will be seen weekly until you give birth. Prenatal and postnatal appointments for our midwifery clients are an hour long. Clients are welcome to bring their children, partner, or any other loved ones with them*.  

Each visit includes education, physical assessments, and plenty of time for questions, stories, and just getting to know each other. We check your urine, vital signs, and palpate and measure your belly to make sure that your baby is growing appropriately and in a good position for a safe homebirth. Guidance is offered for healthy pregnancy adaptations, safe herbs and supplements, and self-care for you and your family. 

Most of your prenatal care, including lab work, will occur in our Durham office, with exception of the 36 week home visit and some of the postpartum visits*. At the 36 week visit, you will receive a list of items to prepare for your homebirth as well as a packet of essential information. We make referrals for ultrasounds or other testing as needed.

* See COVID-19 changes here.