Homebirth Midwifery Care in Santa Cruz, CA
Labor and birth unfold most smoothly when the birther feels safe + supported. That sense of safety for many people is found at home. Truly Midwifery offers complete + comprehensive perinatal care throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum, with all visits in the comfort of your home.
PRENATAL CARE
Prenatal care is where we cultivate the trust and connection that support a positive birth experience. Our appointments are about an hour long to allow us time to build trust and connection. We schedule visits every 4 weeks until 28 weeks, every 2 weeks from 28-36 weeks, and weekly from 36 weeks until your baby arrives.
Care includes:
Holistic nutrition, herbal, + lifestyle recommendations.
Prenatal, labor, birth, postpartum, newborn, + lactation education, along with referrals as needed.
Psychosocial and emotional check-ins to support the changes + transformation that takes place throughout pregnancy, birth, + postpartum.
Blood draws and cultures for necessary blood work, including tests such as the initial pregnancy panel, Gestational Diabetes screening, GBS testing, + NIPT genetic testing.
Each visit includes a comprehensive health assessment for both you and the fetus with hands-on growth estimation, fetal position monitoring, fetal heart tone checks, and well-being, as well as blood pressure, pulse rate, and wellness checks for the pregnant person.
Labor + Birth
To ensure focused care and support, I will come to you during active labor, intermittently monitoring the health of you and your baby throughout the birth and immediate postpartum period. I’ll also be available for phone check-ins and in-person visits during early labor as needed. A second midwife, midwife assistant, or student midwife certified in Neonatal Resuscitation and Basic Life Support will join toward the end of labor to provide assistance.
What to expect:
Monitoring of all vitals including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, fluid input + output, + comfort levels
Comfort measure suggestions + the option of both laboring + birthing in the water if desired
Strategic planning around rest, nourishment, + hydration
Intermittent fetal monitoring + assessment
In the case an intervention is necessary, I carry antihemorrhagic medication, oxygen, neonatal resuscitation equipment, suturing supplies, IV supplies, + will initiate and coordinate with EMS should the need for a transfer to the hospital arise.
Postpartum Care
Licensed Midwives in the State of California can provide postpartum + newborn care during the first 6 weeks of the Fourth Trimester. Postpartum visits last 45 minutes to an hour and take place in your home on approximately 1 day after birth, 3-4 days, 1-2 weeks, 2-3 weeks if needed, and at 6 weeks.
Care includes:
Comprehensive assessment of vitals and wellness for you + the baby
Monitoring of your bleeding and your uterine health
Lactation + infant-feeding support
Weight checks for baby
Visual jaundice screening
Birth certificate paperwork
Mental health assessment, support, and referrals as needed
Newborn care including the California Newborn Screen, Vitamin K, erythromycin administration, + Critical Congenital Heart Disease screening are all available
Education around postpartum movement, nutrition, sleep + emotional wellness, family planning, + the return to fertility
Referrals to other postpartum care providers as needed
Want more information about Santa Cruz Home Birth Services?
Please email trulymidwifery@gmail.com