Natural Childbirth Services

Info about me:

Heather, mother of 4 children, all born at home. Three of these children were born unassisted. Meaning, I did my own prenatal care, and had no midwife in attendance. I loved being pregnant and equally enjoyed birthing them on my own pace... 21 hrs, 2 1/2 hours, 5 hours and my 4th baby took a few days.

My birth philosophy is very minimalistic. Meaning, less is best, when all is well. I wholeheartedly believe that mothers and families should be able to make their own choices in regards to pregnancy, birth and beyond. To do this, I think it best to educate them by taking a step back from the modern way we were raised. Today we have so many great books, internet and studies that show when you leave families to do what comes naturally in birth, you have safer, faster and more enjoyable births.

I began studying birth more than 12 years ago. And it was clear to me that having the right to do what you wanted in your birth, was ESSENTIAL. Since 1996 I have studied around the United States getting in workshops, conferences and classes that pertained to pregnancy, childbirth, customs of women birthing, breastfeeding, herbs and so on. I have even been flown to other states and out of the country to assist with births. I would love to start up a "Birth Home" in Mexico, where the c-section rate is nearly 100%.

Services midwives provide:

A Midwife provides prenatal care for those who wish to birth at home. They attend your birth and see you and the baby several times until you are 6 weeks postpartum. Some of the services provided:
Pregnancy testing
Herbal knowledge
Blood work for diabetes and iron levels
Monitoring of babys growth, heart rate and position
Mothers urine and weight
Pregnancy & Birth education
Water birth
Delivery care at desired location
Pictures or videotaping of birth if desired
Assistance in obtaining baby's birth certificate & social security card
Postpartum care for mom and baby

Fees are based on your income. This is for an entire care package instead of per visit. Insurance is accepted and can be billed for you. Otherwise a payment plan or charge card can be billed per your needs. Remember that Homebirth is still a fraction of the cost of a hospital birth.

If you are looking for a midwife in your city, go to www.birthpartners.com If you cannot find one listed here, you should ask around. Many midwives do not advertise. Doulas, birth classes, other moms may have further connections for you. Don't bother calling a hospital for a midwife, they may know names but won't give them out.

To contact Heather: bakerheather@sbcglobal.net

Weighing a newborn at an office check up

Unassisted birthing

I also believe in unassisted birthing and prenatal care. I think if one is taking responsiblity for having a child, you can gain much knowledge and faith by having your baby by yourselves. There is much information about this via the internet and books.

http://www.unhinderedliving.com/childbirth.html

This is not for everyone and I understand that but for the ones who wish to have more control and peace with birth, Educate oneself and make your own choices. Woman have been giving birth at home for years, with family, a midwife, and sometimes completely alone.

Even attended by a midwife, parents should feel like their birth was of their own doing. I have chosen to give up the responsibility and only be invited to births as a friend. Part of the reason is explained in the article below.

Midwives fears:

http://www.consciouschoice.com/2004/cc1711/birthcrisis1711.html

http://www.firstbreath.org/id8.html