Women across the globe have been giving birth at home with the assistance of midwives for centuries. In the early days, this was the norm. Over time, mothers-to-be began veering away from the age-old traditions and started turning to hospitals when the time came to welcome their new little ones into the world. This became the new normal, but the past and present are now coming together to pave the way for the future.
Coming Full Circle Home births are once again gaining popularity. Hundreds of women across Victoria now give birth at home with a midwife by their side, and the number is growing every year. If you’re considering a home birth, you’re certainly not alone. In light of all the unprecedented changes taking place around the world, even more women than before are looking into the possibility of giving birth outside of a public healthcare facility. Choosing a Midwife for Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Postnatal Care Before planning a home birth, it’s important to know what the process entails. We’re dedicated to helping families better understand what happens before, during, and after a home birth. We also want to explain how midwives fit into the picture and what we can do to facilitate not only the birthing experience but pregnancy and postnatal care for you and your baby. What is a Home Birth Midwife? Most people know that home birth midwives are present during childbirth and assist with the process. In truth, their services go well beyond this common interpretation. They’re fully trained in caring for women throughout pregnancy, during labour and delivery, and after childbirth. Midwives also have the training and experience necessary to educate women on breastfeeding and provide newborn care for several weeks following birth. On top of all that, midwives have emergency care training. They’re legally required to be able to perform adult and newborn resuscitation as well as other potentially lifesaving techniques. Those are only a few of the guidelines in place for legally practising midwifery. |
Book your free 15 min phone consultation now |
Midwives' Roles during Pregnancy CareDuring pregnancy, you’ll see a midwife for prenatal appointments. He or she will provide information about pregnancy in general as well as how yours is progressing. Visits will include health checks for you and your baby, discussions about labour and childbirth, explanations of what to expect between each visit, and the development of a birthing plan among other elements.
Midwives also help with scheduling appointments for testing at clinics or hospitals, parenting classes, and other services. They provide support and answer questions throughout pregnancy. They’ll tell you of certain warning signs to look out for while you’re at home and be sure you understand what to do in the event of an emergency. |
Widwives' Roles at the BirthBy law, two midwives must be present during a home birth. When labour begins to progress, the midwives will come to your home and provide care during labour and delivery. They’ll keep a close watch on your pain levels and offer various pain management suggestions and assistance as needed. Midwives provide emotional support and offer guidance throughout the process.
Along the way, they’ll monitor you and your baby to ensure vital signs remain strong and steady. When the time comes, the midwives will tell you when to push and coach you through each contraction. Midwives also clamp and cut the umbilical cord following your baby’s birth and take care of the afterbirth. If you prefer, you or your partner will be allowed to cut the cord. Most mums and midwives alike prefer to wait until the cord stops pulsing before clamping because this could be more beneficial for the baby than doing so immediately. Midwives are trained to spot the warning signs of complications during labour and delivery. Should a problem arise, they’ll provide initial emergency care and get paramedics en route to take you to the nearest hospital. If you have to be taken to the hospital, your midwife will accompany you for support and reassurance. |
Midwives' Roles after BirthYour midwife will stay with you for a few hours after the birth to ensure both you and your baby are doing well. He or she will provide pain relief, breastfeeding assistance, emotional support, and other elements you may need. Midwives likewise schedule newborn screenings, initial pediatrician checkups, and home health nurse visits. They additionally provide care and advice for the first few weeks of your baby’s life.
|
Home births allow you to experience labour and delivery in a familiar environment without the chaos, urgency, and impersonality often taking place in a clinical setting. You’ll be surrounded by those you love and have greater freedom to choose how you approach the birthing process.
We’re passionate about helping families experience the miracle of childbirth at home in a safe, comfortable atmosphere. We specialize in home births in Victoria and firmly believe this is the most rewarding and stress-free alternative for both mothers and babies. Our private midwives offer the full range of essential services, including:
|