Prenatal Care
From conception until birth, the prenatal period is a time when you and your family come to love and nourish your baby. As your midwife, we start to build a trusting relationship where you can share your hopes and concerns and ask questions about your pregnancy.
Prenatal care usually lasts 45-60 min and is never rushed. I set aside enough time to get to know you and your family, discuss concerns and desires for the pregnancy and the postpartum period and spend time answering questions, counseling and covering all medical checks for you and baby.
Your initial visit is done in the comfort of your home with your partner or loved ones present. Subsequent visits are done either at home or in my office until the last 4 weeks of pregnancy when all visits are back in your home on a weekly basis until the birth of your baby.
Prenatal Visits
Intervals and What to Expect
Visits follow standard obstetric guidelines and occur every 4 weeks for the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, followed by 2-week intervals until 36 weeks of pregnancy and, finally weekly until the end of pregnancy.
During these prenatal visits, a small amount of time is dedicated to taking vital signs, monitoring the growth of your baby and taking necessary specimens. The majority of the visit is dedicated to building rapport and getting to know one another as we prepare for the birth together. I always welcome children and family members, especially those who plan to be present at the birth, to participate in these visits.
As your medical provider, I follow routine testing and screening protocols as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM).
I draw your bloodwork, collect specimens, perform pelvic exams when necessary and respond to emotional issues that arise for people who are fearful of clinical procedures. I work with you to establish a calm, peaceful environment during each of our visits.
Routine Testing
Counseling and Referrals
I am also here to respond to mental health needs that pre-exist pregnancy or that develop during the prenatal period. Nutrition, exercise and common discomforts of pregnancy are other areas that we cover in-depth during our visits.
When necessary, referrals to outside providers are done on a case-by-case basis. I have a network of specialists with whom I regularly consult, including maternal fetal medicine physicians, acupuncturists, body workers, pediatricians and more.
