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“Making the decision to have a child- it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” -Elizabeth Stone
Midwife means “with women.” The midwife model of care is built on the philosophy that pregnancy, labor, and birth are a natural and normal physiological event and medical intervention should only occur when childbirth steers from normal. Midwives are experts in “normal.” We are licensed to provide care to low-risk clients and in the United States, an ever-increasing number of women are choosing to hire a midwife for the birth of their child. This is because more and more women are discovering that modern midwives are trained professionals who provide evidence-based care and use up-to-date information to provide tailored care to every client. Midwives help women have healthier pregnancies, more natural labors, and more optimal postpartum recoveries.
The midwife's model of care looks at the client from a more holistic standpoint. We monitor not only your physical status but also your physiological and social well-being throughout the childbearing cycle. Midwives provide the client with individual education, counseling, and prenatal care. Throughout your labor, birth, and postpartum, we provide on assistance and continue to support you through this monumental change. My appointment times are on average 45 minutes giving us plenty of time to discuss questions and the best possible choices for you and your family.
Prenatal Appointments
Prenatal Appointments
Your appointments are conducted in the comfort of your own home unless otherwise arranged. These appointments follow the standard schedule of once a month until 30 weeks and then every three weeks until 37 weeks. Beginning at 37 weeks, a weekly prenatal appointment is conducted until birth.
During prenatal appointments, a routine physical exam is done which includes: fetal heart tones, blood pressure, temperature, pulse/SPO2%, a urine check, fundal height, and abdominal palpation to determine the baby’s position. These things take about 10-15 minutes. Plenty of time is given after that to address your individual needs and concerns. This allows us to get to know one another and help prepare you emotionally and mentally for birth and baby. We will also go over a lot of educational topics so you are well informed and educated going into your childbirth year.
Lab draws are referred to be done at your lab of choice. Ultrasounds and lab work are not a service covered in my fees but are ordered as you desire or as your body indicates.
Birth Services
Birth Services
From the beginning of your pregnancy to guiding you as you transition to taking care of your precious newborn, my goal as your midwife is to support and empower you.
I see myself as a “lifeguard” during your birth, educating and stepping in only if the need arises. This is your journey into parenthood and my goal is to walk alongside you as you make the right decisions for YOU and YOUR baby.
I hold up-to-date certifications in neonatal resuscitation, CPR, and other emergency management such as suturing or administering an IV. I carry basic anti-hemorrhaging medication (Pitocin, TXA, & misoprostol) and emergency equipment including oxygen to all births. I use intermediate ausculation to listen to fetal heart tones and monitor your vitals throughout your labor, birth, and postpartum making sure you and your baby are always safe for out-of-hospital birth.
After your birth, the golden hour is honored and we encourage initiation of breastfeeding as soon as possible. Delayed cord clamping is encouraged for normal physiological births. We strive to support our moms & dads in doing skin-to-skin.
A good protein meal/snack is encouraged as well as good hydration. Before discharge vitals must be stable, bleeding under control, and the mother must be able to empty her bladder on her own.
Postpartum and Newborn Care
Postpartum and Newborn Care
One of the best perks of midwifery care and home birth is that your postpartum, well-baby care, and breastfeeding support will all be performed in your home. I love being able to support your intimate “baby moon” period by doing the normal postpartum assessments and procedures in your home.
Postpartum Period Includes
Postpartum Period Includes
24-36 hour visit, 3 day visit, 7 day visit, 3 week visit, and 6 week visit. During these visits, the following will be addressed...
Breastfeeding guidance and support
Physical assessment of the mom including labs if inidcated
Newborn screening tests including Critical Congenital Heart Defect Screening and metabolic screening
Newborn weight checks and feeding review
Family & contraceptive planning discussion
Support for postpartum transition
Resources for additional care
The weeks immediately following birth are important for successful bonding with your baby, healing, and the transition into parenting. As a licensed midwife, I am here to respond to all your postpartum needs!
After 6 weeks from your birth, you and your baby will "graduate" from midwifery care.
About Melody
About Melody
I grew up in a large family and before I had my first baby, I had 14 nieces and nephews. I was very familiar with babies and of course loved watching every one of my sisters as they found so much joy in becoming parents. I knew before my high school graduation that I wanted a career focused on mothers and babies. Midwifery was my calling and I began working long hours and years to pursue it.
After attending over 70 births I got to welcome my own sweet daughter to this world. I got to choose what was right for me and my baby. It was empowering and birth was one of the hardest things I have done, but one of the absolute BEST things I have done. During labor I questioned my career choice but immediately after my birth I knew I had made the right choice. What an honor it is to stand by women as they go through this deeply intimate period in their lives. My own birth awakened an even deeper passion for my career choice. Every mother deserves empowering care and I love being a part of that process in bringing it to her.
While I am a midwife, I am also blessed to be a wife and a mother. I love the mountains. And while off call we love camping, hiking, and enjoying the beautiful outdoors. I love cooking nutritiously for my family and am grateful for my health and aspire to move my body on a regular basis. I also love warm drinks and long chats with friends.
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Contact me!
Contact me!
Interested in working together? As a dedicated licensed and board-certified Midwife, I am ready to provide you with expert care tailored to your needs. Request a free consultation where we can discuss any further questions and see if you are a good candidate for midwifery care!
Text (559)-612-6819 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
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