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We are delighted to share your journey through pregnancy and birth into parenthood. Midwifery care embraces and supports you physically, emotionally, and mentally, whether this is your first baby or your famity is growing. We are committed to helping you have a healthy pregnancy to give birth in a safe, supportive environment. You will be provided with information and resources to help you make informed choices for yourself and your family. We encourage you to ask questions and to bring family and friends with you to your visits.
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Your Prenatal Care
At your visit to confirm your pregnancy, we review your health history, orient you to the practice, discuss genetic testing options, and give you a copy of Our Bodies Ourselves, Pregnancy and Birth and other resource materials.
Several weeks later, at your next visit, we will conduct a physical exam, review your lab results and continue to discuss the topics you raised during your first visit. You will have monthly appointments scheduled until 30 weeks, then will visit every two weeks until 36 weeks, when we will see you weekly until your baby is born. You should plan to meet with each midwife for at least one appointment because we don’t know which of us will be the lucky one who attends your birth!
A certified nurse midwife is on call 24/7, so don’t hesitate to call if you have issues which can’t wait until your next visit. In non-emergency situations, we ask that you contact us between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Women and their partners who see us for prenatal care have a unique opportunity to participate in Group Prenatal Care classes, if they wish. Group Prenatal Care is great fun and a learning experience. The group gives you the chance to form bonds with other couples, bonds that continue well after group members' babies are born.
We collaborate with Dr. Tucker Kueny, a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist, who is available for consultations throughout your pregnancy. Doctors who are board certified have participated in a voluntary process. It involves evaluating their knowledge and skills beyond what’s required for them to become licensed physicians. Board certification is an added measure of a physician’s expertise in a particular specialty and/or subspecialty of medical practice.
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When you arrive for your appointment, Holly will greet you and check you in.
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Cathy, our medical assistant, will take you into an exam room and check your weight and blood pressure. She will also ask you to provide a urine sample.
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Your Birth Experience
We attend births and deliver babies at Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Childbirth Center. At the Childbirth Center, you will find a supportive environment where your birth preferences are known and honored. Let us know your plans for your baby's birth by completing 'My Birth Day Wishes' here.
Going to the Hospital
When you feel it is time to go to the hospital, the midwife on call will meet you when you arrive. She will evaluate you and the baby and discuss further plans, recommendations, and options your labor proceeds. We will offer you as much hands-on support as you need to navigate the labor process. |
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Waterbirths
Before and during birth, some women enjoy the soothing effects of water. For women who want to labor in water, each private labor room features a bathroom with a hydrotherapy shower. For women who intend to give birth in water, the Childbirth Center offers access to a water tub. Please speak with your midwife for access to the water tub.
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
VBAC is available for women who have previously had a Cesarean birth. We will discuss this option with you during your prenatal care. |
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Pain Management
We are skilled at offering non-pharmaceutical suggestions for relieving pain, but realize that there are times when medication and/or anesthesia is desired or recommended. To make you as comfortable as possible, an anesthesiologist is available at all times and epidurals are available.
Pediatric Care
The pediatric hospitalists are highly qualified, board-certified pediatric clinicians who provide 24-hour medical care to children ages newborn to 18 years of age. The pediatric hospitalists also attend deliveries and provide newborn care. If we anticipate any concerns, we will ask a pediatric hospitalist be present at the birth.
Immediately After Birth
Your baby will be placed on your abdomen provided he or she is vigorous. Many women and their partners enjoy receiving the baby themselves! We encourage you to keep your baby skin-to-skin and breastfeed whenever you are both ready.
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Your Postpartum Care
After your baby is born, we encourage you keep your baby with you. A midwife will see you each day while you are in the hospital. All the Childbirth Center nurses are trained in breastfeeding support and infant care; they will assist you as much as you need.
A lactation consultant will visit with each nursing mother to answer questions and offer suggestions, and additional breastfeeding support is available. A pediatric hospitalist will make daily rounds to assess your newborn.
Two weeks after your baby is born the midwife who attended your birth will call to check in with you and will discuss how things are going at home.
Four to six weeks after your baby is born the midwife who attended your birth will meet with you in the office. She will perform a brief physical exam and will discuss the transition to parenthood and birth control options.
Thank you for choosing the Cooley Dickinson Center for Midwifery Care providers for your birth experience. We look forward to caring for you during your journey into parenthood and beyond.
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