Birth is a natural process, and women deserve to be given the opportunity to do what their bodies were created to do. The midwife’s role is not to control the woman during her labor and birth, but rather be the guardian of her and baby’s safety. Sarah approaches birth in a personal and holistic manner. Women tend to be more relaxed when they are in their own environment or in an atmosphere that is less invasive. In an out-of-hospital birth, women are able to chose who they want at their side during the birth. Their partners and other children can be as involved as they want to be. At home or at Gentle Beginnings Birth Center, women are free to move around during labor, getting into any position they feel comfortable with. They are also encouraged to drink and eat throughout their labor to increase their energy level.
It is important for woman to relax as much as they can to facilitate their baby’s descent into the pelvis, during which Sarah helps the mother feel as comfortable as she can. Sarah uses techniques to coach mother’s breathing, encourage movement or position change, hydrotherapy (hot showers, warm baths, hot compresses), visualization, aromatherapy, massage and so on to aid in pain management. Sarah uses techniques for avoiding perineal tears such as warm oil massage, warm compresses, and assisting in slow delivery of the head.
It is important for a woman to feel comfortable with her midwife so that she can let the midwife know what kind of support she is looking for. Sarah also listens to baby’s heart rate throughout labor and monitors mom’s vitals to make sure both are healthy and coping well throughout the labor and delivery process.
After the baby arrives a full newborn assessment is done in the presence of mom and dad. Sarah will prepare an herbal bath for mom and her new baby to assist in relaxation after the birth.
Sarah is also trained in emergency care for mom and baby if things were to go beyond normal circumstances. She stays current with CPR and NRP certifications, as well as other continuing education courses.
If transfer to a hospital were to become necessary, Sarah would accompany the mother to the hospital and stay by her side until baby is born.