HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Birth can get messy, but we have ways of handling that. We use chux pads, towels, and a cover for your mattress. We recommend an old set of sheets and towels that you don't mind getting messy. After the birth, we do all the clean up for you. We change your sheets, start the laundry, take out the garbage, as well as empty and take away the birth tub. We joke that your house is sometimes cleaner after we leave than when we arrive. We do the extra work after the birth so you and your family and relax and welcome the new baby.
How messy is a home birth?
We sure do. Many of our families utilize water in one way or another during their births. This may be as simple as showering during labor. Sometimes folks will use their own large bath tub in their bathrooms. Others will use a blow up birth tub with a liner filled by hose. Some only use the tub for relaxation and pain relief during labor. Others will actually give birth in the tub. The choice is entirely yours. Your birth pool and liner are included in the cost of your home birth.
Do you offer water birth?
Emergencies that require immediate medical attention at a homebirth are uncommon, but do happen. Proper screening, risk assessment during pregnancy and birth, appropriate monitoring, and close personal care reduce the risk of encountering an emergency at home. Licensed Midwives can carry medications and equipment to help stabilize parent and/or baby while waiting for more advanced medical care or while in transit to a medical facility. We are trained in CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation.
While some emergencies require a call to 911 for medical transport, MOST hospital transports from homebirths involve a non-emergent need such as exhaustion during labor and the need for medications to relieve pain in order to get adequate rest, need for medications to augment a slow labor after trying everything we're comfortable trying at home, or early indications that client or baby could need more advanced care during labor and/or birth.
In the case of an emergency or non-emergency transfer to the hospital I will remain with you and/or your baby as long as necessary to provide support and help you navigate the situation if allowed.
What happens in an emergency?
Studies consistently show that planned homebirth with a skilled midwife is safe for low-risk clients. Up until recently the only studies available were studies using birth certificate data which included many births that were not planned to be at home or for which the family did not have adequate prenatal care. The Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) has been collecting high-quality data on planned homebirth as part of the MANA stats project. Studies using this data are demonstrating that planned homebirth is a safe option with a trained and qualified midwife.
I'm interested in homebirth, but just how safe is it?
Frequently Asked Questions
We are here to answer your questions!
Our experience, extra trainings and credentials provides a full circle experience. We offer in house location from a IBCLC, Well Women Care by an CNM, Massage Therapy that focuses on body mechanics and birth movements. We believe it takes a community of providers to support a healthy families and enjoy working with others in our community.
What sets Full Circle Midwifery apart from others in the area.
Our team has years of experience in the birth world. Please take some time to read our bios on the webpage. Together, Our team has years of experience in births, served hundreds of families in the Spokane area, has a great reputation from the community and other Dr.s and Health professionals in our area. We have years of education in the health care field including EMT certificates, early childhood development, breastfeeding, childbirth education and massage therapy.
Can you tell me about yourself? Where did you receive your education? How long have you been a midwife?
You can choose a home birth or one of the birth houses which our team has privileges at.
Where would you care for me during childbirth?
In Washington state, we do not have to work under a Dr. but have good relations with many in our area and feel confident in communication with other medical providers if we need to refer to them for your care. We only deliver out of hospital at home and birth centers.
Do you work with other midwives or physicians? What birth settings do you work in?
We love natural childbirth and believe women are strong and capable to birth their babies safely and naturally at home with good prenatal care, birth planing and support. Our team has our own personal experiencing of birth in different settings, hospital, home and birth center. We believe birth can be an empowering experience which can bring healing to a woman's soul as she finds her own strength and power in her decision making and body autonomy. We are here to support you !!!!
How do you feel about birth?
We do not offer any pain medications for out of hospital births. We offer education and classes to help you prepare for a natural birth. Water birth is also a great way to help cope with the pain of labor and many mothers say its the best experience for them to have this as an option.
If I need medication for pain, how would that be handled?
You will meet everyone who may be at your birth and hopefully build a trusting relationship with each of us. You will always have a primary midwife along with a student or birth assistant attending your birth.
If you work in a group, who will attend my birth.
We believe so much in childbirth education that your classes are included in your package with us. This includes a childbirth class , as well as the Spinning Babies class. We have a full prenatal, birth and postpartum booklet which covers so many topics and recommendations for a healthy pregnancy and birth.
How do you recommend that I prepare for childbirth?
Yes, we highly encourage you to have extra support people at your birth, even if this is your 4th or 5th baby.
Are you comfortable with doulas or family and friends being with me during labor?
Yes, We are very skilled at providing optimal care for women seeking a VBAC. We feel very comfortable and confident in creating a safe plan of care that may require some extra testing or attention.