You are encouraged to call when you think you may be going into labor. Common signs of labor may include contractions that become regular, increase in intensity and progressively get closer together; bloody show or leaking amniotic fluid. You may call if you have a concern, are not sure how to interpret what you are feeling or if you just want to talk.

During labor normal activity, eating as desired and frequent urination are encouraged. Drinking fluids and oral consumption of calories is required. Moving frequently during labor and the use of gravity-assisted positions enhance comfort and may speed up the birth process. Once we arrive we begin monitory you and your baby at specified intervals. Internal checks are kept to a minimum and done only as needed throughout labor.

You may give birth anywhere and in any position, including in the water. While your baby's head is crowning your perineum may be massaged with warm olive oil, and warm compresses and perineal support may be applied as needed; you will be coached to gradually birth your baby's head. These measures, combined with gravity-assisted positions, help to prevent or minimize tears. We welcome the involvement of family members to the extent that you are comfortable (someone can even help the midwife catch the baby). As you are planning your birth team remember that the natural flow of the birth process can be hindered by the presence of too many well-meaning friends or unattended young children, yet you are free to surrounded by whomever you feel will provide you with the support you desire as you experience your labor and birth.

You will be asked to have specific supplies on hand and available for use at your birth. We will provide you with a list or you can purchase a custom birth kit from In His Hands Home Birth Supply.

Although giving birth underwater is a "new" concept in our western culture, oral history suggests that woman all over the world have labored and given birth in and by water for centuries.

Many women say that the soothing, relaxing effects of the warm water, along with the ease of movement that the water allows, greatly reduces the discomfort and pressure of labor and birth.

We encourage our clients to have water available for use during labor as a comfort measure tool, even if they do not plan to birth in water.

For more information about water birth, visit Waterbirth International.

Routinely, no invasive techniques or force will be used in the delivery of the placenta. An exam of the placenta will be done to insure that it is intact.

Your vital signs, uterus and bleeding will be checked and assessed regularly. Some women use an ice pack applied to the perineum, which can help reduce swelling. Many of our moms enjoy their after-birth herbal bath that we prepare for them using a combination of healing and soothing herbs. After you give birth you are encouraged to eat and drink.

Adequate urination and successful breastfeeding must be observed before your birth team departs.

We will also perform a thorough Newborn Exam right at your bedside.

We will stay approximately three to five hours after the birth, only after leaving you and your family with verbal and written instructions on caring for both of you during the first 36 hours. You are encouraged to call at any time with questions.

We will stay 2-4 hours after birth, and will return again at 48 hours postpartum to check in on mother and baby.

Our services include a postpartum office visit at two weeks and at six to eight week (which can include a pap if you desire).