Our Story
HOLISTIC HERITAGE HOMEBIRTH
Welcome to Holistic Heritage Homebirth! We gave our name considerable reflection. We wanted it to represent women and us.
ho·lis·tic (adjective) encompassing the whole of a thing, and not just the part. Holistic care looks at the whole person for answers, not just at physical symptoms. (mind, body, and spirit)
her·it·age (noun) something that comes or belongs to one by reason of birth.
We firmly believe women are made to birth their babies. In that sense it is their heritage. We wanted to celebrate the heritage of midwifery. Heritage is a salute to the firm foundation that midwifery holds and has passed down from generation to generation. We hope it evokes a nostalgic sense of tradition and history.
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Psalm 127:3
PHILOSOPHY OF CARE
We are passionate about practicing the Midwifery Model of Care
We affirm the power and strength of women and the importance of their health in the well-being of families, communities and nations.
We believe in the basic human rights of all persons, recognizing that women often incur an undue burden of risk when these rights are violated.
We believe every person has a right to:
Equitable, ethical, accessible quality health care that promotes healing and health
Health care that respects human dignity, individuality, and diversity among groups
Complete and accurate information to make informed health care decisions
Self-determination and active participation in health care decisions
Involvement of a woman's designated family members, to the extent desired, in all health care experiences
We believe the best model of health care for a woman and her family:
Promotes a continuous and compassionate partnership
Acknowledges a person's life experiences and knowledge
Includes individualized methods of care and healing guided by the best evidence available
Involves therapeutic use of human presence and skillful communication
We honor the normalcy of women's lifecycle events.
We believe in:
Watchful waiting and non-intervention in normal processes
Appropriate use of interventions and technology for current or potential health problems
Consultation, collaboration and referral with other members of the health care team as needed to provide optimal health care
(ACNM, 2017)
Andie's Journey into Midwifery
The first beautiful and strong being I ever midwifed for was a sweet lab named Bingo. I recall being six years old in the dog house with her. I stroked her fur and sent her nurturing energy. I was adamant that every puppy had a nipple and that momma was well cared for. As Bingo birthed, I began my own "early labor" and the journey into midwifery. Fast-forward a decade or so...I started college with the intentions of following a path into obstetrics and gynecology. As plans often do, mine veered. Earlier that anticipated I birth my first child in a hospital setting. It was traumatic and full of unnecessary interventions. The experience left me confused, deflated, and less than empowered. I did however receive the loving touch from the nurses through those days and in the care of my second hospital birth a few years later. My course changed and my plans readjusted. I continued my voyage with the goal of being a labor and delivery nurse and I did just that. I wanted to be with women and babies. I desired to provide them with everything I wanted and didn't get. My time working in the hospital was not what I imagined. I felt like my hands were tied by litigation based policy and I was not able to provide up to date research based care. I was discouraged. THEN...one night a family came in and I was blessed to care for them. They were a non emergent transport from a home birth. Their midwife accompanied them. I watched her every move. I was enamored by their connection, tenderness, and touch. I knew right then and there that my "active labor" in my journey toward midwifery began. Ironically, I found myself pregnant with my third child. I chose that very midwife, the one who changed my course that night to care for us as I brought my baby earthside in the comfort of my home. That relationship grew into a professional mentorship as I birth assisted for her for many years. I had two more home births in that time. My personal experiences grew me holistically and I was bursting with a need to foster that in families. I "transitioned" and I went on to get my Masters degree in nursing. I gleefully and powerfully "birthed" MYSELF--a passionate Certified Nurse Midwife. I have only worked in an out of hospital setting as a midwife. My heart has always been in homebirth and I wanted to offer that option to families. Recently I graduated with my doctorate, focusing on birth after trauma. My journey will continue as I am always seeking new experiences and ways to grow.
Jaelin's Journey into midwifery
Becoming a certified nurse midwife was a long rode for me. It really started when I was 23 years old and having my first son. I have always been a person who relied on my instincts and my innate and God given abilities, without question. When I was pregnant, it was no different. I knew I wanted an unmedicated birth. I didn’t know anything about midwives, other than what had been portrayed on TV 30 years ago. I knew I didn’t need or want genetic screening and I declined an ultrasound. I felt that women have been having babies since the beginning of time and I could too. I breast fed my children because I felt that’s what God and nature provided and it was the best for them. I didn’t read it in a book and I didn’t look it up on the internet. It was an innate instinct, knowing what was best for myself and my children. In retrospect, this is astounding as no one around me was doing things this way. Not my mother, not my mother-in-law, and not my friends. I had three unmedicated spontaneous births. They were beautiful life changing events and I knew someday, I would want to join other women on their journey. Today, I do not feel women are encouraged to trust their instincts in pregnancy, birth, and parenting. I want to encourage women to trust themselves, their bodies, and their abilities.
Initial Consultation
Holistic Heritage Homebirth values the trusting relationship between a family and their midwife. Having an honest connection is important. For that reason, we offer a complimentary consultation. We recommend the attendance of both you and your partner. This will be a special and relaxed time spent getting acquainted with each other, reviewing our model of care, and answering any questions you may have. Consultations are usually one hour. Contact us to set an appointment.
Prenatal Care
Holistic Heritage Homebirth prenatal visits are scheduled for an hour (first visit runs 1.5-2 hours). Forget the days of waiting an hour for a five minute appointment. We honor your commitment and value the time we get to spend together. Prenatal appointments are located in your home and our homes for a cozy and intimate experience. Visits are collaborative, interactive, and individualized. Family and friends are always invited. This is your visit, make it what you want it to be.
Each prenatal appointment includes
· Assessment of the fetal heart rate
· Mother’s vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, weight)
· Fundal height measurement and fetal positioning
· Consistent assessment for risks
· Open communication and discussion about nutrition, exercise, emotional status, discomforts of pregnancies and recommended therapies, education, and questions.
· Any labs needed and referrals for ultrasounds
· We will provide a book from our lending library at each visit
Appointments
· Every 4 weeks until 32 weeks
· Every 2 weeks from 32 weeks
· Weekly appointments from 36 weeks until birth.
· Home visit @ 48 hours postpartum, Office @ 1 week, 2 week, and 6 week postpartum)
Labor, Birth, and Immediate Postpartum
Your midwives will be accessible 24/7 to you for labor support. Although we highly recommend a doula, we are passionate about labor support and love this aspect of our relationship with you. In labor you can expect
· The midwife to come to you for labor and birth
· The comfort of your home
· High touch/Low technology care (unless indicated or desired otherwise by client)
· Minimal intervention (unless indicated & always discussed)
· Minimal cervical exams
· Intermittent fetal monitoring with a Doppler
· Maternal monitoring of vital signs
· Freedom to choose who catches your baby (we encourage mom or partner to catch)
· Delayed cord clamping
· Skin to skin bonding
· The breast crawl
· Breastfeeding support
· Newborn assessment done
· Suturing for Mom if needed (3rd degree or less)
· Herbal bath
· Vitamin K injection and erythromycin ointment for baby & IV antibiotics are available for Mom if desired
· All birth assistants are Registered Nurses and NRP certified
· Shared decision making
· A birthing pool is available for you to rent
· We encourage eating, drinking, and movement during labor
· Additional helpful hints: a doula, birth photography/videography, music playlist, affirmations, any support people you feel comfortable having at your service
· A well thought out and discussed transport plan (Midwife will transport with you if desired if transport to hospital becomes wanted or needed)
Postpartum Visits
· Holistic postpartum evaluation for Mom (assessing physical and emotional well being)
· Evaluating newborn
· Breastfeeding assessment and any needed support
· Newborn screen done at home visit if desired
· Birth certificate filed within one week of birth
· Hearing exam if desired